Term Interrupted: Adopting Pass/Fail Grading at the Onset of COVID-19

• In Event: College Interrupted: The Many Dimensions of COVID-19 Pandemic Disruptions

Abstract

Institutions responded to Spring 2020’s emergency social distancing measures by implementing a number of policies aimed at reducing strain on students. This study explores the implementation of one such policy: offering students the option to swap to pass/fail grading mid-term. Using the case of gateway mathematics courses, this study provides early evidence as to how students across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic statuses elected for this flexible option and its relationship with passing rates. Preliminary results suggest that higher rates of low-income and racial/ethnic minorities passed gateway mathematics courses as a result of broadening the pass/fail grading option. This research builds a foundation for future studies on downstream success, such as passing the next course in the sequence and/or persisting or graduating.

Authors

• Samantha Nix, Florida State University

• Heather Epstein-Diaz, Florida State University

• Patrick Martin, Florida State University