Fall 2020 grading policy and academic support resources

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 14:28:30 -0500
covid19studentupdate, covid19update

Dear Undergraduate Students,

As we enter the final days of the fall 2020 semester, we would like our students to know how proud we are of them for their resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to their education in this challenging fall semester. We want to thank you for embodying the values of the UMBC community as we navigate this semester together.

We recognize that many students may have experienced or are experiencing challenges this semester and sincerely appreciate the recommendations shared by the student body about how we can academically assist our students. While the University cannot change to a different grading system this fall, there have been and continue to be options for students who are experiencing challenges.

Student concerns about individual courses are often resolved by reaching out to the course instructor. If a resolution cannot be reached with the instructor, students can contact the chair of the appropriate academic department. If a resolution cannot be reached at this stage, then students can contact the appropriate college/school to resolve the academic concern. Students may also communicate and confer with appropriate administrative offices for other academic issues.

You should also review our list of available options for students and details about which offices to contact with regard to academic questions and concerns as the semester comes to a close.

If you would also like assistance navigating the many academic support options at UMBC, please reach out to the staff at the Academic Success Center.

We want to ensure you are academically supported, and you have the best information available about our academic resources and our academic processes.

Best wishes as you finish the semester,

Philip Rous, Provost
Katharine Cole, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Mehrshad Devin, President, Student Government Association & SGA Leadership
Antonio Moreira, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Co-Chair, Academic COVID Planning Committee
Sarah J. Shin, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, Co-Chair, Academic COVID Planning Committee
Orianne Smith, President, Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Leadership