Dear UH Faculty:

The success of our students at the University of Houston is our highest priority. In response to the unique and combined challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent historic winter storm, I have decided to implement both the undergraduate and graduate interim grade policies for the spring 2021 semester. The interim grade policies are not intended to influence the manner in which faculty members assess student performance and assign grades in their classes. That appropriately remains within the sole purview of faculty. The policies provide students with "Satisfactory" or "No Credit" options after final grades are submitted in support of their success given the current challenges. Included below is a summary of these policies as well as additional information related to deadline extensions aimed at supporting students' academic success.

Interim Grade Policies

The Interim Undergraduate Grade Policy has been extended and the Interim Graduate Grade Policy has been reinstated for the spring 2021 semester. These policies provide students with the option to choose Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NCR) grading on a course-by-course basis and applies to courses offered in Sessions 1-6 during the spring 2021 semester. Professional students in the colleges of Law, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy are not included in this policy due to professional requirements for licensure and accreditation.

Deadline Extensions

• The last day to drop a course or withdraw with a “W” has been extended to April 21, 2021.
• Thesis/Dissertation final submission and approval deadline for graduate students has been extended to May 28, 2021.
• The deadline to apply to graduate has been extended to March 5, 2021. The late graduation application filing period is March 6-26, 2021.

Excused Absence Policy Reminder

In fall 2020, the University of Houston implemented excused absence policies for undergraduate and graduate students. These policies are not temporary and remain in place for the spring 2021 semester. Absences may be excused as specified in the Undergraduate Excused Absence Policy and Graduate Excused Absence Policy. Students with approved absences should be provided with an opportunity to make up any quiz, exam, or other work that contributes to the course grade, or will be provided a satisfactory alternative.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and the University of Houston. I deeply appreciate the resilience and flexibility you continue to demonstrate as we face yet another unprecedented challenge together.

Warm regards,

Paula Myrick Short
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, UH System
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, UH
Distinguished Professor of Education
provost@uh.edu | 832.842.0550

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