U of W students get options in pandemic-interrupted term

The current academic term has made life topsy-turvy for University of Windsor students, but the school is offering options.

With on-campus instruction at a standstill thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university has announced revised grading rules to offer students enrolled for the winter term, a semester that has been trying for everyone involved. The regulations have been outlined in a post on the school's official website.

"The transitions over the past few weeks in response to COVID-19 have been very challenging for everyone," wrote Dr. Douglas Kneale, U of W's provost and vice-president of academics, in the post. "The University is working hard to preserve your academic experience and protect your health and safety."

The options come into play once the final grades for the term have been entered into the system, and a particular choice portal has been opened for students. The choices are as follows:

• Accept the final grade given by the professor or instructor
• Request a pass-no pass grade based on the minimum required passing grade in the student's program
• Voluntarily drop the course without academic penalty

The process will not affect the candidacies for graduation, but Kneale wrote that some graduate programs weigh voluntary withdrawals more than others.

"Students are encouraged to check with the institutions they are thinking of applying to regarding this question," wrote Kneale. "The university is exploring the possibility of designating voluntary withdrawals from the Winter 2020 semester with a 'COVID-19' code.'"

Complete information on the university's handling of the pandemic can be found on the school's website.