Fresno State announced Friday that it is easing letter grade requirements for the spring semester to help students affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The ability to opt-in to credit/no credit grading could keep bad grades from affecting a student’s standing as the marks don’t affect grade point average.

The option to switch to CR/NC will run from April 27 through May 26, though certain departments can opt-out, according to Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

At the end of the semester, all F grades will be replaced with an NC and students can choose to replace a D with an NC, Jiménez-Sandoval said.

For undergraduates, A, B, and C grades can be changed to a CR. For graduate students, a B can be changed to a CR and anything below can be switched to a NC.

As a one-time exception, a CR in a student’s major course would count toward graduation. Letter grades are usually required for major classes.

Courses tied to a credential program, licensing board, or accredited program that requires students to receive letter grades may not be eligible.

Fresno State is joining in with several universities across the state, such UC Berkeley and the University of Southern California, that have opened up options for students struggling with the rushed transition to online learning while faced with job loss, taking care of out-of-school children and more.

Nearly 1/3 of colleges, mostly in the United States, have decided not to make any changes to grading during the COVID-19 crisis, according to a survey from the American Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Giving the option of pass/no pass is the most popular option for institutions making changes.

CSUs currently accept 24 units of pass/no pass coursework toward graduation requirements, but Fresno State officials said they are waiting to see if the CSU system relaxes that requirement.

Even with a more lenient policy, there are some reasons why students may want to keep their letter grades, officials said.

International and veteran students, and those who receive financial aid may lose benefits if they don’t keep their letter grade. Athletes have to maintain six units of letter grades. The NCAA has not made any changes to that rule.

Students on academic probation will also want to keep their letter grades because a CR will not raise their GPA.

The Education Lab is a local journalism initiative that highlights education issues critical to the advancement of the San Joaquin Valley. It is funded by donors. Learn about The Bee’s Education Lab on our website.