Temporary Grading Scheme Year-Long 2020/21 and Winter Term 2021 Courses

The Temporary Grading Scheme is no longer in effect. 

In light of the COVID-19 global health pandemic and February's cybersecurity event, Lakehead University has implemented a temporary change to the numeric grading scheme in recognition of the impact on student learning for Year-Long 2020/21 and Winter 2021 courses.

Note: The temporary grading scheme also applies to students enrolled in the Lakehead-Georgian Partnership programs.

Our student-centred approach provides you with the flexibility to account for the academic and personal challenges you may be facing.

For courses with a numeric grade, you will continue to receive a final numeric grade. 

Upon receipt of the numeric grade, for each course, you will then have the following options for Year-Long 2020/21 and Winter 2021 courses:

  1. Keep the numeric grade;
  2. Convert the numeric grade to a Pass (“PCR” Pass Credit) or a Fail (“FNC” Fail No Credit);
  3. Late Withdrawal/drop (“W”) the course with no academic penalty and no requirement to submit a Petition for Late Withdrawal. Exception: For the Faculty of Law, University Regulation X Withdrawal (c) Petitions will apply.

Please carefully review the Terms & Conditions stated below for specifics.

Final grades will be released by April 29, 2021. You will be required to submit a Grade Replacement Request by May 3, 2021. The Grade Replacement Request process will open through myInfo on April 29, 2021.

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Terms and Conditions

Please carefully review the terms and conditions associated with the options:

  • A PCR (Pass) grade will count as a credit towards program requirements, but will not be included in the average calculation. If the course with a PCR grade is a prerequisite for another course, it will be counted as such.
  • A FNC (Fail) will not count as a credit towards program requirements, nor will it be included in the average calculation.
  • A Late Withdrawal “W” is not considered a mark and will not be considered as an attempt in a course.
  • Only courses with passing numeric grades (50% or higher for undergraduate courses; 60% or higher for graduate courses) can be replaced with a PCR (Pass). As an exception, for the Faculty of Health & Behavioural Sciences, the numeric grade required to pass a course and to convert the numeric grade to a Pass/Fail will remain as stated in the Academic Calendar
    • An “Incomplete” (INC) grade for a course can be converted to a PCR or FNC, or W after the Incomplete is cleared and the numeric grade is received as per the University Regulation “Incomplete Standing” (e)(f).  Students will then be permitted to select from the options within 2 days.
  • Only courses with numeric grades below 50% (undergraduate) or below 60% (graduate) can be replaced with FNC.
  • A FNC will not count as a failed course attempt per University Regulation V Standing (h) Repeating Courses.
  • Courses with a PCR or FNC, or W value will appear on the student's record
  • PCR, FNC and Late Withdrawal W revisions do not allow for a tuition adjustment.
  • PCR and FNC revisions are final, cannot be reversed or appealed.
  • In the event a student is found in violation of the Lakehead University Academic Integrity Code, the numeric grade for the course(s) will stand (if a student elected the option for a Pass/Fail or W Late Withdrawal, it will be reverted to the numeric grade).

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Special Exams

Special Exams will continue for Year-Long 2020/21 and Winter 2021 courses. University Regulation VII Special Examinations applies.

After completing a special exam, students will not have the option to change their numeric grade to a PCR, FNC, or W. That is, after completing a special exam, the numeric grade obtained will remain on the transcript.

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IMPORTANT! Seek Academic Advice - Impact on Various Academic Matters

Before submitting a Grade Replacement Request, it is highly recommended that you carefully consider potential impacts in choosing to replace a numeric grade with a PCR or FNC grade or a Late Withdrawal.

Please seek advice from Student Central as well as your Faculty Advisor to learn more about these options, impacts on your progression into the next year, as well as future goals you may have related to graduate studies, employment, transferring to another institution, professional accreditations, etc.

  • Students that choose Pass/Fail will have the numeric grades from their previous term(s), along with any numeric grades from the current term, used to calculate their average for academic matters such as:
    • Academic standing/progression
    • First-class standing
    • Medals
    • Renewable entrance scholarships
    • Students considering transferring to another post-secondary institution, interested in applying to post graduate/graduate studies or specific fields of employment may want to consider keeping the numeric grade as each post-secondary institution will treat the Pass/Fail based on their own admission policies.

More information on the implications of converting your grades can be found within the notices locations on the OSAP Academic Probation & Restrictions page, as well as the Entrance Scholarships page for returning students.

For more information, contact Student Central at studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca to learn more and to discuss your individual circumstances. 

Common Questions & Answers

When can I choose to change my grade from a numeric grade to a PCR, FNC, or W?
The Temporary Grade Scheme Declaration for 2020 Year Long and 2021 Winter Courses feature will be available online through myInfo from April 29th to May 3rd. Simply click the link above, or go to myInfo -> Student -> Grades & Transcript -> Temporary Grade Scheme Declaration for 2020 Year Long and 2021 Winter Courses
What if I don't see all my grades yet?
All grades were due by April 29th. If you do not see your grade(s) for a specific course, your instructor might not have submitted them yet. You can connect with your course instructor, however you will be notified by email when any new grade is posted to your transcript.
Can I choose a PCR, FNC, or W for more than one course?
You can choose a PCR, FNC, or W for as many or as few courses as you'd like. There is no obligation to select a PCR, FNC, or W for any courses if you wish to keep all your numeric grades
Do I need to do anything if I want to keep all my numeric grades?
If you would like to keep your numeric grade, you do not have to do anything, as the numeric grade will be kept by default. Alternative, you can select "Keep this grade" through the Temporary Grade Scheme Declaration for 2020 Year Long and 2021 Winter Courses on myInfo, however submitting this form is not necessary if you plan to keep all your numeric grades.
How does a PCR, FNC, or W affect my scholarships?
For information on how a PCR, FNC, or W might affect your scholarships, please visit the Entrance Scholarship page. Ultimately, when it comes to calculating your scholarship renewal average, courses that are changed to PCR, FNC, or W will be excluded from the average calculation, and only remaining numeric grades will be used to calculate your average for the academic year.  The number of courses withdrawn will impact the value of renewal the following academic year.
How does a PCR, FNC, or W affect my OSAP Eligibility?
For information on how a PCR, FNC, or W might affect your OSAP, please visit the OSAP Academic Probation & Restrictions page.
How does a PCR, FNC, or W affect my future applications to post-graduate programs?
When it comes to future applications, each institution might look at a PCR, FNC, or W differently. For this reason, if you have questions about how a PCR, FNC, or W might affect an application to future studies, you will need to connect with the individual Admissions Offices to which you plan to apply in the future.
How does a PCR, FNC, or W affect my Co-op Program Eligibility?
For information on how a PCR, FNC, or W might affect your co-op program eligibility, please visit the Co-op COVID-19 FAQs page under the Spring/Summer 2021: Job Searching and Future Co-op Students sections.
How do I know whether to take a PCR or keep a numeric grade?
This is a tough question and depends on your individual situation. If you're wondering if a PCR will benefit you, consider your average(s). Ultimately, converting a grade that is lower than your current average will prevent that grade from bringing down your average. In contrast, keeping a numeric grade that is equal to or higher than your current average will either increase your average or keep it the same. We encourage you to consider this when deciding on whether a PCR is best for you.
What if my final grade is posted late (i.e. posted after May 3rd)?  
You will receive a notification when a final grade is posted and then have 7 days to declare using the Temporary Grading Scheme Declaration.