Alternative Grade Mode – Definitions
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty and administration at George Mason University approved an alternative grade mode for classes in fall semester 2020, spring semester 2021, and during summer sessions 2021.
Students in A-F graded classes were able to select the alternative grade mode on a class-by-class basis. Students were not required to select it for every class. If the student took no action, the default grading mode of the class was used, usually A-F grading.
Alternative grade mode classes do not count in the GPA.
Grades in the Alternative Grade Mode
The grades included in the alternative grading mode are:
XS (Extraordinary Circumstances – Satisfactory) – The student earns credit in the course by meeting a minimum grade threshold; at the undergraduate level that would be a C or higher, at the graduate level it would be a B- or higher.
XP (Extraordinary Circumstances – Pass) – The student earns credit in the course but has not met a minimum grade threshold to apply the course to requirements with a minimum grade requirement; at the undergraduate level this would be a C- or D, at the graduate level it would be a C.
XN (Extraordinary Circumstances – No Credit) – The student does not earn credit in the course.
XW (Extraordinary Circumstances – Withdrawal) – The student withdraws from the class as a result of difficulties arising from COVID-19. No credit is earned in the class. Students must withdraw on or before the last day of classes or prior to receiving a final grade in the class, whichever comes first. Once a final grade has been reported, the XW grade is no longer available.
Note: A transcript notation has been added to each term the alternative grade mode was offered, whether the student selected it or not. The transcript statement reads, “An alternative grade mode was available for selection by students.”
The University’s COVID-19 website is found here.
Additional information specifically relating to graduate students can be found on the Graduate Education website.