Description
This resource provides the current semester and previous policies regarding the use of D grades in a major/minor. Instructions for how to apply D grades in majors/minors declared prior to Fall 1999 are also included.
Policy Statement
There have been several different policies regarding D grades in the major/minor. A University-wide policy was instituted in fall 1999. The prior policies listed below applied only to CLA students.
Fall 1999-Present
General Provisions: “There are two distinct grading systems on each campus of the University of Minnesota, A-B-C-D-F (with pluses and minuses) and S-N. The S-N system is a self-contained alternative to the A-F system and the two may not be combined for a particular student in a particular course. Students may receive grades or symbols only from the grading system under which they have registered for a course.” Please note that all classes in a major and minor must be taken A-F.
“No student may receive a Bachelor’s degree unless at least 75 percent of the degree-qualifying residence credits carry grades of A, B, C, or D (with or without a plus or minus attached to it). Colleges and Units may choose not to accept academic work receiving a D (with or without a plus or minus).” (University Senate Policy, Approved on May 27, 1997 and last interpreted on April 19, 2001)
Fall 1972 - Summer 1999
“A maximum of 12 quarter credits (8 semester credits) graded D may apply for the minimum credit requirements for graduation-i.e. 180 total quarter credits, 72 total quarter credits at 3/5xxx level, and 28 quarter credits at 3/5xxx level outside the major (when required). Grades of D may apply to all liberal education, or collegiate general education, requirements.
Each major department establishes its policy on accepting D grades in the major. In most cases, if D grades are accepted, the D must be balanced by an equal number of credits graded A or B in the major [courses used to balance D grades must be U of M major courses, as defined by the department, and completed at the same level or higher](1998-1999 CLA Student Services Manual).
NOTE: 3xxx or 5xxx level classes were grouped together as upper-level, therefore, 3xxx level classes could balance a 5xxx level D grade.
Students who entered CLA prior to fall 1999 may be allowed to graduate under the pre-1999 policy until fall 2000. Beginning fall 2000, all students will be expected to follow the semester policy on D grades, including GPA requirements overall and in the major. (CLA Upper Division Advising, May 2000, Revised September 2000)
Before fall 1972
Credits of D earned at the University prior to fall 1972 automatically count toward a CLA degree.” (1998-99 CLA Student Services Manual)
Minor
“D grades can be used for a minor unless the department expressly prohibits it, like Spanish does, until April 2002.” (email Claudia Hasegawa, 10/3/01)
Interpretation
Fall 1999 -present
“Currently, there is variation in whether D grades are allowed in major course work. Some units use A/B balance and others require C or above grades in major course work. All units shall require a C- or better in each course in the major.” (Twin Cities Campus Assembly, February 24, 2000). No D grades are allowed in the major/minor under semesters at all.
Major declared Fall 1972-Summer 1999
“CLA advisers may approve graduation under the pre-1999 policy, on a case-by-case basis, for students who entered CLA prior to fall 1999, if doing so will allow the student to graduate in a more timely manner. In most cases, this would benefit students who earned a D in a major course taken prior to fall 1999, if the major department allowed a grade of D at that time.” Students are also limited to 12 quarter credits towards their total credits. (CLA Upper Division Advising, May 2000, Revised September 2000)
For major/minor declared under quarters, balancing may only be done for D grades.
Minor
After April 2002, students who receive minor program forms should be held to the 2.0 and C- grade minimums. (email Claudia Hasegawa, 10/3/01)
Sunset Policy
This refers to the following policy approved by the University Senate, Administration, and the Board of Regents. The sunset policy states, “Any student who elects to graduate under the quarter calendar system must do so by June 30, 2006, after which time all graduation and degree requirements must be met under the semester system.” Senate minutes
Students may petition the dean to remain under quarter requirements.
Student responsibilities:
To understand whether they must meet transition requirements or semester requirements.
CLASS staff responsibilities:
To know whether or not a student qualifies for D balancing in a major. If so, it is necessary to determine if it would be more timely for the student to graduate under the old D grading policy, or the new D grading policy. Once a decision about which policy to follow is established, then complete the student’s balance sheets, and document in the file which policy should be followed.
Major Department responsibilities:
To be aware of whether or not D grades were allowed to count in the major prior to fall 1999.
Related Information
CLA Student Services advisers can find a list of grading policies for departments at the following location on the CLA Student Services network:
S:SCAll/graduation advising/advising references/information about majors.XLS
