Undergraduate Grading Policy

A page within Records and Registration

The full grading system for UWL can be found in the undergraduate catalog.

Additional policies about grading are also in the catalog.

IMPORTANT Info about the Temporary S/U Grading Policy

The temporary Undergraduate S/U policy below applies to Spring 2021 grades.

FAQs for the temporary Undergraduate S/U Grading Policy (Spring 2021)

I earned a grade of "C" or higher. Should I request to change my letter grade to "S"?

  • In most cases, the letter grade would be preferable to an "S."
  • Consider how a future employer or graduate program might view the S; an assumption could be made that you were earning a "C."
  • If you are concerned that your "BC" or "C" would "drop" your GPA, know that this is just one semester on your record and may have minimal effect. There will be a "COVID-19 Disruption" notation on all transcripts for the spring 2021 semester to inform readers of the extraordinary circumstances this semester.
  • The UWL transcript definition of "S" is a letter grade of "C or better" although there is no way to document the original letter grade.

If I request a grade change from "BC" to "S," for example, and my semester GPA improves to 3.5 or higher, will I be eligible for Dean’s List honors on my transcript?

  • The Dean’s List notation will be based on the original grades submitted by the faculty.

I earned a grade of "D." Should I request to change my grade to "U"?

  • A "U" grade does not earn credit for a course. This means you have not completed the course and will not satisfy any degree requirement or prerequisite with the "U".
  • "D" grades earn credit. In most cases, the "D" and subsequent credits earned will satisfy degree requirements, including General Education.
  • If you need a grade of "C or better" to satisfy major or prerequisite requirements, consider the "U" option. Consult with your Academic Services Office of your first major for advice, if needed.

I am repeating a "D" or "F" from a previous semester and did not improve the original grade. What does a "U" do to my record?

  • The grade of "U" would mean that the original grade will no longer count in your GPA.
  • If you originally failed the course, a "D" this semester would give you credit and positively impact your GPA.
  • If you originally earned a "D" in the course, you will lose credit for the course if you receive an "F" or "U" grade.

I earned a "D" or "F" in a course and want to request a change to "U." Can I take the course with the "U" at another campus and transfer the course back to UWL?

  • NO. "U" grades are considered "F" grades for the purpose of repeating courses; repeats must be taken at UWL.

I earned a "D" or "F" in a course and want to request a change to "U." Will the "U" affect my Financial Aid or scholarships?

Will my athletic eligibility change if I request a grade change to "S" or "U"?

Will my federal or state veteran’s benefits be affected if I request a grade change to "S" or "U"?

How do I request a change from a letter grade to "S" or "U"?

What if I change my mind after I have submitted my request?

  • If it is before June 11, 2021, contact your Academic Services Office. There will be no changes back to a letter grade after June 11, 2021.

When can I request a transcript?

  • Check your unofficial transcript to make sure the changes have been processed before you request the transcript. There may be delays in processing letter grade to "S/U" changes and subsequent delays in updating transcripts.