What can I expect for the spring quarter?

Spring quarter began as scheduled on March 30, with remote instruction that will continue through the end of the quarter. As nationwide social distancing requirements continue to increase and evolve daily, we believe this is the best course of action for reducing uncertainty and anxiety and establishing a reliable, high-quality method of instruction and academic progress for UW students through the spring. At the outset of the quarter, you and your instructors will work together to establish class norms for teaching and learning remotely. They will offer a grace period with no graded work due in the first week. You can expect the instructor of each of your courses to be in touch with you no later than what would have been the day/time (PDT) of the first in-person class meeting. For the duration of the quarter, you can expect some real-time teaching and learning to take place during the day/time assigned to your class and some to happen in a more asynchronous format. We will be developing online resources focusing on wellness and on how to maintain community and prevent isolation as we work together virtually to cope with the challenges of this ongoing public health crisis. Our faculty, staff and student leadership are here to help you, both with your continued academic success and with new ways to engage in this uncharted chapter of your UW education. The quarter will end as scheduled, after final exams conclude on June 12, 2020.

One of my spring quarter classes has been canceled. Why? What do I do?

A small percentage of courses have been canceled and removed from students’ schedules upon determining that consistency of learning goals could not be maintained in a conversion to remote delivery. Students may be notified of such a change in a variety of ways: An auto-generated email from the Office of the University Registrar, an email from a department chair, faculty member or adviser, or another method. If you find yourself in this situation and need to add a new course, continue to use MyPlan, MyUW and other tools you ordinarily utilize to identify suitable replacements. Academic advisers are also available to consult with you remotely. If you are nearing graduation or preparing for another milestone such as application to a major, declaration of a minor, or preparing to pursue graduate/professional study, and the removal of a particular course from your schedule presents a special challenge, advisers are knowledgeable about greater levels and kinds of flexibility being afforded to students at this critical time. Bothell advising | Seattle advising | Tacoma advising

Why did the UW move to remote classes instead of starting in-person classes late?

Given uncertainty with regard to the longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the time at which in-person classes could start is unknown. Making the decision to go to remote instruction now ensures we have the full span of the quarter for teaching and learning.

Will grading be converted to CR/NC for many classes as it was for winter 2020?

The conversion of many courses to CR/NC grading in winter 2020 was driven by emergent circumstances. Instructors for spring 2020 have the opportunity to conceptualize and deliver their courses in full. Depending on the nature of the course content and the impacts of online delivery, some faculty may opt to use CR/NC, while others will remain with numeric grades. We expect the majority of classes will use numeric grades. If you are uncertain how a certain class will be graded this spring quarter, please contact the instructor of record. Your UW transcript will be annotated to note the possible impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on grading.

My class is being graded numerically. Can I change my grade to S/NS to get credit and no numeric grade? (Updated 06/03/20)

S grades for spring quarter 2020 will count toward degree and graduation requirements, as spring 2020 has been designated as an extraordinary circumstances quarter. There will be no limit on the number of credits for spring 2020 that may have S/NS grading. Beginning June 17, undergraduate students may change a numeric grade to S/NS, or change an S/NS grade to numeric during any quarter designated as an extraordinary circumstances quarter. Students may change their grade mode for spring 2020 courses at any time until they graduate – even if that is a year or more away. Spring 2020 graduating seniors have until July 8 (when spring degree posting closes) to request the change. To request a change of S/NS to numeric, or numeric grade to S/NS, use the late grading option change form, which students will receive via email on June 17. No supporting materials will be required. You do not need to notify your instructors or email your campus registrar team now. Simply wait for the June 17 email with the new late grading option change form link.

If I decide to change my grading mode to S/NS, how will this impact my requirements to graduate? (Updated 06/03/20)

Starting June 17, and until they graduate, undergraduate students may change a numeric grade to S/NS or vice versa during any quarter designated an extraordinary circumstances quarter. S grades will count toward degree requirements. Previously, S only counted for elective courses and students could only take 25 credits as S/NS. As an example, with the limit on S/NS grades lifted for spring, all credits taken in spring 2020 could be converted to S and still count toward a major or degree.

One or more of my spring courses includes a lab, internship, service or other form of learning that I cannot imagine happening in an online format. What is the status of these classes?

Unless you have seen that your class has been canceled, or you have received a communication from an instructor or program/department representative about the class indicating that major changes are underway, you can assume that the substance of your class remains intact.

I know at least one of my spring courses is designated as a service-learning class. What can I expect now?

Many spring quarter classes that would typically offer a service-learning component have already been modified to engage community perspective and issues without service-learning placements. A small number of classes will continue to offer a service-learning component; this service work will occur online via remote engagement with organizations. Schools and departments are working diligently to modify and/or waive program requirements so that students may continue to make academic progress toward admission to a major and/or graduation. If you are enrolled in a major with a service-learning and/or internship requirement, expect to hear directly from your department. You may also reach out to the departmental adviser at any time. No one is required to attend in-person service engagements while UW classes are delivered remotely — in fact, students are strongly advised to follow “stay at home” orders and practice physical distancing at the recommendation of public health experts. Community engagement programs at the UW are making every effort to support community-based organizations and schools through remote projects where possible. Essential work is happening in-person at community-based organizations right now; if you are interested in potential opportunities to serve in the coming weeks, email serve@uw.edu.

Since instruction is remote, can I still go to my internship site if they are open and want interns?

Only internships that can be engaged remotely are advisable at this time. Many schools and departments on campus have determined that any internship work for academic credit must be completed remotely while UW courses are delivered via online instruction. Please check with your departmental adviser and or the UW Career and Internship Center if you have questions about internships for spring. It is important to note that guidance for summer internships is developing; it is best to stay in conversation with advisers as you make plans for summer.

What will happen to major-/graduation-critical classes that cannot be offered online?

We will be flexible with shifts in schedules and expect to increase course offerings over the summer and fall to ensure access to courses required to meet major requirements. We will also provide, as possible, flexibility in requirements to support those nearing graduation so as not to impede your post-graduation plans or opportunities. Contact your academic adviser for more guidance. Bothell advising | Seattle advising | Tacoma advising

Are UW Libraries services available?

Can faculty use Zoom video conferencing and ask me to attend?

Faculty have been asked to be creative in this unprecedented time to try to preserve a productive classroom environment. Zoom is an online video communications tool that is being used by many faculty for this purpose, and is compliant with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. If you are concerned about others viewing your personal surroundings in the background during a session, you may consider using a blank wall as your background when using Zoom, or explore Zoom’s options for virtual backgrounds.

How can I obtain my transcript?

Official transcripts can be requested and delivered online through the Office of the Registrar’s electronic transcripts service. At this time, paper transcript processing is not available. If you have a question or concern, please contact the Office of the Registrar at registra@uw.edu.

What is the status of summer quarter classes?

Classes that begin on the first day of summer quarter, i.e., those offered for A- and full-terms, will be offered remotely and will not be held in-person. No decision has been made about B term, which begins on July 23, 2020. As we plan for B term and the start of fall quarter in September, we are adjusting course offerings to backfill courses with clinical, lab, studio and practicum requirements that cannot be fulfilled remotely. Summer registration begins April 13.

Why isn’t the UW holding in-person commencement exercises for the graduating class this year?