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pass failing classes

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 12:04 pm
by askme
My school allows me to choose to Pass/Fail one class every semester as long as it's not related to my degree (so it's a chance to just get a C, replace it with a P and earn credits).

I've been doing this for 2 years. Yesterday SMART called and said "If the course is offered for a grade, you must take that class for the letter grade and not a P/F."

Aside of being extremely annoyed that they are butting into something that is none of their business, does anyone know a way around this?

I cannot for the life of me understand why they care if I use a P/F for something that's not related to my degree if the academic institution allows it.

Re: pass failing classes

Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2019 12:35 pm
by Guest
If you really want to continue doing this, I would just email SMART explaining how your school has a unique policy, and if SMART would reconsider allowing you to take one P/F course a semester. I would focus on explaining how you benefit from the policy (more time on STEM classes/research/skills that benefit your SF/etc), and they might understand it.

Otherwise, I would honestly just say to learn to pick your battles. I doubt you'll find a way around it that doesn't end up being more work for you. No offense, but it is their business. They are the ones paying for the courses, so you have to play by their rules. The handbook is very clear that you are not allowed to take P/F courses if they are offered for a grade, and failing to do so can can result in the dismissal from the program (Appendix A).