S/NS Grading

S/NS stands for satisfactory / not satisfactory and is a non-numerical grading option that students may elect for a particular class.  S/NS grades do not count toward degree requirements and cannot be retroactively converted to numerical grades. 

Talk to your academic advisor before switching to S/NS or if you are concerned that you will not pass a course!!  S/NS should only be used as a last resort and your advisor can tell you more about your other options.

When would I select S/NS grading?

Always talk to your academic advisor before changing to S/NS grading.  Generally, S/NS should only be used if you are certain that you will not pass a class (2.7 grade or higher) but cannot simply drop the course from your schedule (for example, you have a full-time enrollment requirement and dropping the course would leave you with fewer than 10 credits).  

How are S/NS grades assigned?

Your instructor cannot see that you have changed to S/NS grading.  At the end of the quarter, they will calculate and enter your final grade.  If you are awarded a 2.7 or higher (a passing grade for a graduate student), your grade will appear as S on your transcript.  If you are awarded a 2.6 or lower, your grade will appear as NS.  S/NS grades indicate that you completed the class, but do not affect your GPA.