Flexible Grading Policy

12/15/2020

To: All Students
CC: Faculty and Staff
From: Daniel Matos, Interim Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Senior Registrar

Re: Clarification Memo Regarding CUNY’s Flexible Grading Policy for Fall 2020

As many of you are already aware, CUNY just authorized colleges to use a version of the flexible grading policy (a.k.a. Credit/N0 Credit policy) for the Fall 2020 semester. This memo addresses some of the more common questions about the policy.

What is the flexible grading policy?
The Fall 2020 flexible grading policy applies to all John Jay students (undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree) enrolled in most classes. It allows you the option to convert any grade from B+ to D- to a grade of “CR,” which stands for “Credit.” Also, you can choose to have any earned grade of “F” converted to “NC,” which stands for “No Credit.” Neither the CR nor the NC grade factors into your grade point average. You must understand that choosing this CR/NC option is not mandatory. You can select this option for any of your courses that are not on the “exclusion list.” You can also choose to keep whatever grades you earn.

Are there classes excluded from the Fall 2020 Flexible Grading Policy?
Yes, some courses do not have the option of CR/NC flexible grading. The list of those courses will be available by Friday, December 18. We will publish the list on our website and notify students via email when it is posted.

What should you do right now?
Review all of the information contained in this memo and speak with your advisors. CUNY also provides additional details on the CR/NC policy located here. You will not be able to make the declaration of CR/NC until faculty members post final grades. The deadline for faculty to submit grades to the Registrar is Wednesday, December 23. You will be able to convert your grades using the CR/NC option from December 24, 2020 – January 12, 2021. This is the “opt-in window.”

What is the process for declaring a CR/NC grade?
The University has created a form in CUNYfirst that will allow you to select the CR/NC option from a drop-down menu that will appear next to your original grade. Just remember, once you make the declaration, it is final. You cannot go back and change the declaration to the previous grade, so you need to think through your decision before submitting the request.

What do I need to consider when making this decision?
To help you “think it through,” you may want to reach out to your faculty member, graduate program director, academic advisor, and financial aid counselor to ask questions about how this may affect your degree plan and your awards. Keep in mind that while CUNY Colleges received instructions to accept your credit for transfer to any other CUNY institution, we cannot guarantee that all colleges and universities, graduate programs, scholarships, and other third parties will accept the passing grade (CR) and credit.

Is there any reason why I should not declare a CR/NC grade option?
In any of the following scenarios or a combination of these, you should strongly consider not declaring the option and speaking with your advisor:

• Graduating Undergraduate students with a GPA below 2.0:  If your major GPA and/or cumulative GPA is currently below a 2.0 and you are graduating this Spring, this may not be a good option for you. This is because earning a high passing letter grade may allow you to raise your GPA over 2.0. If you opt for a “CR” grade, your GPA will stay the same. You will not graduate or receive a degree from the College with a GPA below 2.0.
   
• Graduating Graduate students with a GPA below 3.0:  The same consideration applies to graduate students. If the reported grade raises your GPA, you should keep it. If the grade does not, you should consult with the academic advisor before exercising the CR/NC option.
   
• Considering Post-Graduate Programs:  If you intend on applying to a graduate program, scholarship, or third-party entity outside of CUNY that has requirements for minimum passing grades, you may want to think carefully about the CR/NC option. An entity outside of CUNY, such as a professional licensing body, a private scholarship organization, or a graduate program outside of CUNY, may not accept a grade of “CR.”
   
• We strongly advise Veteran Students Using the GI Bill® to contact the campus VA School Certifying Official before declaring the CR/NC. You can contact Ms. Chrissy Pacheco at cpacheco@jjay.cuny.edu to discuss the implications for your benefits.

If you have additional questions about the grading option and its potential impact on your financial aid, we welcome you to attend an information session with the Office of Financial Aid and Jay Express. The Sessions will be held December 16- January 12,  from 3:oo pm – 5:00 pm; for more information, visit the Jay Express Services webpage.

Generally, when in doubt, it is best to speak with your academic advisor and financial aid counselor. You can also email any additional questions you may have to registrar@jjay.cuny.edu, and we will do our best to help provide you with clear answers. For now, keep focusing on your final exams and know that we are here to help guide you through the successful completion of this semester and beyond.