What You Need to Know about the PS/NS Grade Process for Spring 2021

It is important to read this post in its entirety as it contains important details regarding your grades for this semester.  After final grades have been posted for the semester, students will be able to choose between the standard grade type (A-F) or the PS/NS grade type for one (1) eligible course completed in Spring 2021.

Timeline for Making Your Decision Between a Standard Letter Grade and the PS/NS Grade Type

• The opportunity to select the PS/NS option will open for students in Banner Self-Service starting at 8:00 am (EST) May 4, 2021.
• The decision deadline is 5:00 pm (EST) on May 5, 2021. Students may change their selection during this time period (May 4th and 5th, 2021).
• All decisions are final as of 5:00 pm (EST) on May 5, 2021.

Choosing the PS/NS Grade Mode Option for Your Eligible Courses

• Students should take time to review the frequently asked questions about this option by visiting the Office of the Registrar website: https://registrar.cofc.edu/grades/covid-19-spring-2021-grading-policy.php
• In making the decision to retain a standard grade or choose the PS/NS grade type, it is critical for students to talk with their faculty, advisors, financial aid, and family.  The Center for Academic Performance and Persistence is a valuable resource for students making these decisions. Students should keep the following in mind:
  • A PS grade will earn credit hours but will not count in GPA calculations.
  • An NS grade will earn zero credit hours and will not count in GPA calculations.
• Questions regarding how the PS/NS grade type will impact scholarship eligibility can be emailed to meritscholarships@cofc.edu.
• Most students will choose to take the letter grade of C or better. For a C- grade, students should check their program requirements. Students who receive a D+, D, or D- grade may want to consider the PS grade. Students who receive an F grade will want to carefully consider the NS option.
• If you do not want to select the PS/NS grade type for one of your eligible courses, you do not need to take any action.
• There is a PS/NS grade mode access channel on the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston.  If you would like to select the PS/NS grade for one of your eligible courses, detailed instructions can be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage: https://registrar.cofc.edu/grades/ps-ns-guide-spring-2021.pdf .

Viewing Your Letter Grades

• At 8:00 am (EST) on May 4, 2021, students will have access to their letter grades via the Significant Disruption (PS/NS) Grade Mode page in Banner Self-Service. Grades will not be located in the normal Student Grades channel in MyCharleston or Degree Works during this time period.
• Instructions on accessing grades in Banner-Self Service can be found on the Office of the Registrar webpage: https://registrar.cofc.edu/grades/ps-ns-guide-spring-2021.pdf.
• Once the PS/NS decision period closes, final grades will be available to students on the Student Grades channel under the Academic Services tab in MyCharleston by noon on May 6, 2021.

Wishing you all good health!

Best,

Mary B.
University Registrar and Assistant Provost