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University of Missouri

Grades, Satisfactory & Unsatisfactory

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading System

Students may elect to take courses under the satisfactory/unsatisfactory (pass/fail) grading system in several MU colleges and schools. Before electing to take a course on a pass/fail basis, the student should evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the S/U grading system. The S/U grading status is indicated in the appropriate column on the registration or add/drop form. Students may change to or from the S/U status only through the tenth day of classes in a semester.

In general, the teacher of a course does not know which students, if any, are enrolled on the S/U system, and a grade of A-/+, B-/+, C-/+, D-/+ or F for each student is reported to the Office of the University Registrar. The Office of the University Registrar staff members ascertain which students are enrolled on the S/U system and assign a grade of U to those reported for grades of D-/+ or F, and a grade of S for those reported A-/+, B-/+ or C-/+. Grades of S and U are not included in the computing of grade point averages.

Enrollment in courses under the S/U system is subject to the following restrictions by the University faculty:

  • Students cannot change from one grading system to the other after the tenth day of classes in the fall or spring semesters, or the equivalent thereof in a shorter session.
  • Students cannot elect to enroll in more than one course on an S/U basis in a given semester. This excludes courses taught only with the S/U grading system.
  • First-semester freshmen and students on scholastic probation are not eligible to enroll in courses on an S/U system. This excludes courses taught only with the S/U grading system.
  • A+/-, B+/-, and C+/- grades are recorded on the transcript as an S. S grades are not included in the semester or cumulative grade point average on the transcript. Full credit is earned for courses completed with a grade of S.
  • D+/- and F grades are recorded on the transcript as a U. U grades are not included in the semester or cumulative grade point average on the transcript and no academic credit is awarded for courses completed with a grade of U.
  • Courses completed with a grade of S may be accepted in an area of concentration only with the prior approval of the area adviser. Courses completed with a grade of S may constitute no more than 20 percent of the total credits for the baccalaureate degree.
  • Taking S/U courses may affect eligibility for Latin or other graduation honors for undergraduate students. Contact the academic advising unit for information.
  • Some specified courses may not be taken on S/U basis to meet graduation or degree program requirements. Contact the academic advising unit for S/U approval.

Selecting Grading Options (S/U vs. A through F)

A student who chooses to change his or her grading option must do so no later than after the expiration of two weeks following the first day of classes in regular (16 week) session or the equivalent thereof in a shorter session. Check the academic calendar for specific dates.

For information on the self-paced time limit for changing grading options, please visit https://registrar.missouri.edu/registration/enrollment-restrictions-self-paced-courses.

Policy Source: Faculty Handbook