Appendices

Appendix IV: College Students' Questions—With the Right Answers

NB: For details about regulations, consult the Undergraduate Record, Graduate Record or Faculty Handbook, as appropriate. Here are answers to frequently asked questions in the College of Arts and Sciences.

I'd like to change the grading option in this course to CR/NC. Would you please approve this request on a petition to my dean?
The deadline for changing the grading option is always the same as the end of the ADD period, i.e., two weeks into the semester. This date is NOT flexible.


I just realized I'm taking this course CR/NC, and I need it for an Area Requirement course. Will you authorize a change in the grading status?
The Deans do not approve late requests for changing the grading basis of a course.


I just realized I'm taking this course CR/NC, and I need it for a major (or minor) requirement. Will you authorize a change in the grading status after the deadline has passed?
Such changes are normally not approved. The student must petition the relevant Department for credit toward the major, but the grading option will remain CR/NC. An individual instructor can always inform the department of the student's grade.


I want to drop this class, but it's past the deadline. Will you approve my petition?
The deans rarely approve petitions for late drops. If the deadline for withdrawal has not passed, a student may withdraw with the instructor's approval, receiving a notation of W. The student asks the instructor to complete a Grade Indicator Form and has the dean sign it.


Since I just got my exam back now and discovered I need to drop this class, isn't this justification for a late drop?
No. Decisions cannot be based on return of exams. There must be an enforceable deadline.


If I take an Incomplete, by when must it be finished?
Students have ONE MONTH to finish their work. Incompletes not approved in writing will convert to F's. Students must pick up a form to authorize an incomplete in Garrett Hall, have it signed by the instructor, and return it to Garrett Hall for authorization.


I need a better grade for this course to count for credit in my major. Can I submit additional work after the grade has been submitted?
No. See the grade change policy statement in the Undergraduate Record. Grade changes are allowed only for errors in transcription or in calculation.


How late can I withdraw from a class?
The final withdrawal date is set at ten class days before the end of classes. After that, students must complete the work on time or through an Incomplete.


I have to take a plane to ______ over the break to see my family (or to be in a wedding, etc.). To get a reservation, I had to make one before the end of finals. Can't I PLEASE take your final early?
College policy is that there are NO early exams. The instructor might allow a student to mail an exam in later, take an Incomplete, or complete the exam as a take-home.


How do I postpone an exam because of an overcrowded exam schedule?
Students must go to Garrett Hall to complete the Exam Change paperwork.


I was ill and missed a quiz. How can I make it up?
Instructors make their own decisions about makeup exams. Do not send students to the dean for an excuse.

From an instructor: Several of my students are doing really poorly. How do I find their association deans to discuss the situation?
Call 924-8863 with a student's name or U.Va. ID number and request the student's association dean. You can learn the dean's office hours, leave a message, or talk with the dean's secretary.