As part of UMBC's ongoing commitment to the academic success of our students, beginning in fall 2023, UMBC will implement a new undergraduate grading option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U). The S/U grading option will replace the Pass/Fail (P/F) grading option currently available on selected regularly graded (A - F) courses. The S/U grading option will not be available for courses that are graded P/F only.
The new S/U grading option aims to provide equity in grade calculation: Unlike the P/F grading option, neither the S nor U grade will be computed in the GPA; and students who choose the S/U option will be able to remain in these courses past the individual course withdrawal deadline and receive academic content through the end of the semester.
The S/U grading option will be available for all regularly graded undergraduate courses that currently carry a P/F grading-option designation. Students will be able to choose the S/U option up until the individual course withdrawal deadline each semester. A maximum of 12 credits of S/U grades will count toward a student's undergraduate degree.
What isn't changing with the new S/U grading option? Undergraduate courses taken S/U may only count toward your elective credits; they will not fulfill general education, major, minor, prerequisite, or certificate requirements. Courses taken S/U will not count toward Latin Honors eligibility requirements.
For more details, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document about S/U grading is available to assist you and your advisors with decisions regarding this new grading option.
Additional questions regarding the S/U grading option may be directed to academicpolicyquestions@umbc.edu.
Office of the Provost