Earlier today, Father John sent an announcement to 2020 graduates, faculty and staff that the University will host a virtual commencement on May 17 in lieu of in-person celebrations, and will host the in-person ceremony for 2020 grads on Memorial Day weekend 2021. I echo his sentiments that this is sad news, but regrettably it is necessary to safeguard everyone’s health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This news follows the announcement on Friday (March 27) by Provost Tom Burish about several important changes to the University’s academic policies. In addition, Mendoza’s College Council adopted similar policies for our graduate programs. Our objective is two-fold: 1) to best accommodate students who face particular difficulties in the new online teaching environment and 2) to provide equitable treatment to all students across our programs.

Briefly, here are highlights of the new grading policies for the 2020 spring semester:

UNDERGRADUATE: The University is adopting a temporary pass/no credit grading. Faculty submit letter grades as usual at the end of the semester. Students view their final grades and then choose whether to accept their letter grades or elect a pass/no credit option, with A through D warranting a pass (P) while an F translates to no credit (NC). Pass and no-credit grades will have no effect on a student’s grade point average and the students can make this choice for any or all of their courses.

MENDOZA’S GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Mendoza also is adopting a pass/no credit option for any graduate student enrolled in the Notre Dame MBA, MSM, MSBA (South Bend and Chicago), MSA, MNA, Executive MNA, and Executive MBA (South Bend and Chicago) programs. (MSF is not currently in session.) The protocol is the same as for the undergraduate students; however, the grade ranges for a passing grade are A through C-. Likewise, Pass and no-credit grades will have no effect on a graduate student’s grade point average and the graduate students can make this choice for any or all of their courses.

Dr. Burish’s message included additional information about changes to student leave of absence policies and extending the faculty tenure and promotion clock by one full year. I encourage you to check the coronavirus.nd.edu website frequently for updates.

As we start another week of online classes, I again want to thank our faculty and staff members who have made the transition go so well. I’ve had a number of student messages passed along to me about the great efforts that faculty members have put into their teaching. Here’s just one example from business analytics major Keagan McLaughlin who wrote a note of thanks to Chad Harms about his “Tiki Time” approach:

“I just wanted to say that was the best thing I have ever seen. You have outdone yourself, and the episode definitely brightened my day during this troubling quarantine.”

Thanks to all of you for your very hard work, creativity and grace.

In Notre Dame,

Martijn