Academic Senate Updates on Academic Matters During Remote Learning
COVID-19 Academic Policies
Please contact the Academic Senate ([email protected]) with questions or suggestions for information to add.
For updates on campus operating status as well as health and safety protocols and mitigation strategies, visit UCLA COVID-19 Resources and Bruins Safe Online (BSO).
Summer Sessions 2021 | Spring 2021 | Winter 2021 | Fall 2020 | Summer Sessions 2020 | Spring 2020 | Winter 2020 | Memos | Resources
Summer Sessions 2021
Instruction
As of January 29, 2021, Summer Sessions courses will be delivered remotely with the exception of a limited number of in-person or hybrid courses necessary to train students for essential workforce positions. (Plans for summer sessions instruction)
Final Exams
As of September 2020, the Academic Senate has reinstated specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505 that formerly were suspended in Winter and Spring 2020. Instructors must announce their methods of evaluation at the beginning of the course. Instructors continue to have flexibility in the duration and scheduling of the final written examination in their undergraduate and graduate courses in response to the vagaries of the global pandemic and in ways that support student progress and instructional continuity.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Change in grading basis exception
The Undergraduate Council extended the deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, to Friday of the penultimate week of the course. Normally, this deadline is variable depending on the length of the course (3-week courses: Week 2; 6-week courses: Week 4; 8-week courses: Week 5; 9/10-week courses: Week 6). (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
P/NP courses for major and minor requirements, and College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements
The Undergraduate Council has granted College and School FECs the authority to allow departments and IDPs to accept P/NP-graded courses toward major and minor requirements. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
Students may meet the College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements by successfully completing qualifying classes on a P/NP basis, if the P/NP option is available for that class. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
Maximum P/NP courses
An undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis; a student in good standing who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP. (SR A-310)
Academic Advising
Students should consult with an academic adviser in their College or School, as well as a department adviser, to understand the complexities and potential implications of P/NP (e.g. satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and applying for graduate schools). Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and/or challenges that are affecting their academic performance should contact their academic advisers as soon as possible to discuss options, which may include P/NP. Students are also encouraged to talk to their instructors. (Academic Counseling)
Spring 2021
Instruction
As of March 22, 2021, courses in Spring will continue to be held primarily remotely, but a small number of courses will be allowed to transition to in-person instruction. A limited number of new in-person courses will be approved as well. (New countywide ‘red tier’ status allows for additional campus activities)
Final Exams
As of September 2020, the Academic Senate has reinstated specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505 that formerly were suspended in Winter and Spring 2020. Instructors must announce their methods of evaluation at the beginning of the course. Instructors continue to have flexibility in the duration and scheduling of the final written examination in their undergraduate and graduate courses in response to the vagaries of the global pandemic and in ways that support student progress and instructional continuity.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Change in grading basis exception
The Undergraduate Council extended the deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, to Friday of Week 9 (May 28, 2021). Normally, this deadline is Friday of Week 6. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
P/NP courses for major and minor requirements, and College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements
The Undergraduate Council has granted College and School FECs the authority to allow departments and IDPs to accept P/NP-graded courses toward major and minor requirements. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
Students may meet the College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements by successfully completing qualifying classes on a P/NP basis, if the P/NP option is available for that class. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring and Summer 2021)
Maximum P/NP courses
An undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis; a student in good standing who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP. (SR A-310)
Academic Advising
Students should consult with an academic adviser in their College or School, as well as a department adviser, to understand the complexities and potential implications of P/NP (e.g. satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and applying for graduate schools). Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and/or challenges that are affecting their academic performance should contact their academic advisers as soon as possible to discuss options, which may include P/NP. Students are also encouraged to talk to their instructors. (Academic Counseling)
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
The Graduate Council voted to permit departments, interdepartmental programs (IDPs) and schools to allow graduate students who are in good academic standing to enroll in more than one course graded on an S/U grading basis for Spring 2021. This temporary exception includes courses within the major, with the stipulation that the academic program must agree in advance to accept these S/U-graded courses toward degree requirements.
For a graduate student who is not in good academic standing, graduate programs must submit a petition form and an updated academic plan in order to take courses for S/U grading that would normally require a letter grade. Graduate programs must submit all documents for each student as a single electronic document to the Graduate Division no later than 8:00 AM on Friday, May 14, 2021, via email submission to [email protected]. Staff and faculty can download the forms through the Go Grad website.
The following notation will appear on graduate transcripts for Spring 2021 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Leave of Absence
The Graduate Council authorizes that a leave of absence due to COVID-19 for Spring 2021 will not count against the allowed three quarters of approved leave of absence.
Remote Participation of Faculty and Students in Oral Qualifying and Final Examinations
The Graduate Council voted to allow remote participation of all committee members and the student for oral qualifying and final examinations Dissertation and thesis defenses may be remote to the end of Spring Quarter 2021 (June 11, 2021).
- Virtual defenses may be scheduled via videoconference platforms including, but not limited to, Google Hangouts, Skype, and Zoom.
- Please have the Committee Chair send an email to Academic Services, Graduate Division ([email protected]), copying the Department/Program Chair, Graduate Student Advisor and Co-Chair (if applicable) with a student’s plans for virtual defense. Please include the student’s name, university ID number, department, name(s) of individual(s) participating remotely, and the date of the thesis or dissertation defense.
Deferred Matriculation
Departments may choose to allow incoming graduate students who have accepted offers of admission to defer their matriculation for a period of one quarter (Winter 2021) up to a maximum of one year (Fall 2021). If an admitted student defers, the department/program is expected to provide the same or higher level of financial support as in the original offer package.
Winter 2021
Instruction
As of October 26, 2020, courses in Winter will be delivered remotely with the exception of a limited number of in-person or hybrid courses necessary to train students for essential workforce positions. (Plans for winter quarter instruction)
Final Exams
As of September 2020, the Academic Senate has reinstated specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505 that formerly were suspended in Winter and Spring 2020. Instructors must announce their methods of evaluation at the beginning of the course. Instructors continue to have flexibility in the duration and scheduling of the final written examination in their undergraduate and graduate courses in response to the vagaries of the global pandemic and in ways that support student progress and instructional continuity.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Change in grading basis exception
The Undergraduate Council extended the deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, to Friday of Week 9 in Winter 2021 (March 5, 2021). Normally, this deadline is Friday of Week 6. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Winter 2021)
P/NP courses for major and minor requirements, and College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements
The Undergraduate Council has granted College and School FECs the authority to allow departments and IDPs to accept P/NP-graded courses toward major and minor requirements. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Winter 2021)
Students may meet the College Writing I, Writing II, Diversity, and Quantitative Reasoning requirements by successfully completing qualifying classes on a P/NP basis, if the P/NP option is available for that class. (Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Winter 2021)
The following notation will appear on undergraduate transcripts for Winter 2021 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Passed/Not Passed grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Maximum P/NP courses
An undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis; a student in good standing who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP. (SR A-310)
Academic Advising
Students should consult with an academic adviser in their College or School, as well as a department adviser, to understand the complexities and potential implications of P/NP (e.g. satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and applying for graduate schools). Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and/or challenges that are affecting their academic performance should contact their academic advisers as soon as possible to discuss options, which may include P/NP. Students are also encouraged to talk to their instructors. (Academic Counseling)
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
The Graduate Council voted to permit departments, interdepartmental programs (IDPs) and schools to allow graduate students who are in good academic standing to enroll in more than one course graded on an S/U grading basis for Winter 20201. This temporary exception includes courses within the major, with the stipulation that the academic program must agree in advance to accept these S/U-graded courses toward degree requirements.
For a graduate student who is not in good academic standing, graduate programs must submit a petition form and an updated academic plan in order to take courses for S/U grading that would normally require a letter grade. Graduate programs must submit all documents for each student as a single electronic document to the Graduate Division no later than 8:00 AM on Friday, February 19, 2021, via email submission to [email protected]. Staff and faculty can download the forms through the Go Grad website.
The following notation will appear on graduate transcripts for Winter 2021 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Leave of Absence
The Graduate Council authorizes that a leave of absence due to COVID-19 for Winter 2021 will not count against the allowed three quarters of approved leave of absence.
Remote Participation of Faculty and Students in Oral Qualifying and Final Examinations
The Graduate Council voted to allow remote participation of all committee members and the student for oral qualifying and final examinations Dissertation and thesis defenses may be remote to the end of Winter Quarter 2021 (March 19, 2021).
- Virtual defenses may be scheduled via Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom sessions.
- Please have the Committee Chair send an email to Academic Services, Graduate Division ([email protected]), copying the Department/Program Chair, Graduate Student Advisor and Co-Chair (if applicable) with a student’s plans for virtual defense. Please include the student’s name, university ID number, department, name(s) of individual(s) participating remotely, and the date of the thesis or dissertation defense.
Deferred Matriculation
Departments may choose to allow incoming graduate students who have accepted offers of admission to defer their matriculation for a period of one quarter (Winter 2021) up to a maximum of one year (Fall 2021). If an admitted student defers, the department/program is expected to provide the same or higher level of financial support as in the original offer package.
Fall 2020
Instruction
As of August 21, 2020, the vast majority of courses in Fall 2020 will be delivered remotely. (Fall update: Shift to primarily remote instruction, reduced housing)
Final Exams
As of September 2020, the Academic Senate has reinstated specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505 that formerly were suspended in Winter and Spring 2020. Instructors must announce their methods of evaluation at the beginning of the course. Instructors continue to have flexibility in the duration and scheduling of the final written examination in their undergraduate and graduate courses in response to the vagaries of the global pandemic and in ways that support student progress and instructional continuity.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Change in grading basis exception
The Undergraduate Council extended the deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, to Friday of Week 9 in Fall 2020 (December 4, 2020). Normally, this deadline is Friday of Week 6. (Adjustments to Academic Policies in Fall 2020)
P/NP courses for major and minor requirements
The Undergraduate Council has granted College and School FECs the authority to allow departments and IDPs to accept P/NP-graded courses toward major and minor requirements. (Adjustments to Academic Policies in Fall 2020; Addendum)
The following notation will appear on undergraduate transcripts for Fall 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Passed/Not Passed grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Maximum P/NP courses
An undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis; a student in good standing who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP. (SR A-310)
Academic Advising
Students should consult with an academic adviser in their College or School, as well as a department adviser, to understand the complexities and potential implications of P/NP (e.g. satisfactory academic progress, time to degree, financial aid, and applying for graduate schools). Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and/or challenges that are affecting their academic performance should contact their academic advisers as soon as possible to discuss options, which may include P/NP. Students are also encouraged to talk to their instructors. (Academic Counseling)
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
The Graduate Council voted to permit departments, interdepartmental programs (IDPs) and schools to allow graduate students who are in good academic standing to enroll in more than one course graded on an S/U grading basis for the Summer and Fall Quarter 2020. This temporary exception includes courses within the major, with the stipulation that the academic program must agree in advance to accept these S/U-graded courses toward degree requirements.
For a graduate student who is not in good academic standing, graduate programs must submit a petition form and an updated academic plan in order to take courses for S/U grading that would normally require a letter grade. Graduate programs must submit all documents for each student as a single electronic document to the Graduate Division no later than 8:00 AM on Friday, November 20, 2020, via email submission to [email protected]. Staff and faculty can download the forms through the Go Grad website.
The following notation will appear on graduate transcripts for Fall 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Leave of Absence
The Graduate Council authorizes that a leave of absence due to COVID-19 for Fall quarter 2020 will not count against the allowed three quarters of approved leave of absence.
Remote Participation of Faculty and Students in Oral Qualifying and Final Examinations
The Graduate Council voted to allow remote participation of all committee members and the student for oral qualifying and final examinations Dissertation and thesis defenses may be remote to the end of Fall Quarter 2020 (December 18, 2020).
- Virtual defenses may be scheduled via Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom sessions.
- Please have the Committee Chair send an email to Academic Services, Graduate Division ([email protected]), copying the Department/Program Chair, Graduate Student Advisor and Co-Chair (if applicable) with a student’s plans for virtual defense. Please include the student’s name, university ID number, department, name(s) of individual(s) participating remotely, and the date of the thesis or dissertation defense.
Clinical and Fieldwork Requirements for Graduate Programs
For Spring 2020 degree candidates, in cases where the completion of clinical and fieldwork requirements are affected by COVID-19, temporarily allow for the petition to extend the deadline to complete clinical or fieldwork hours for degree requirements to December 18, 2020.
Deferred Matriculation
Departments may choose to allow incoming graduate students who have accepted offers of admission to defer their matriculation for a period of one quarter (Winter 2021) up to a maximum of one year (Fall 2021). If an admitted student defers, the department/program is expected to provide the same or higher level of financial support as in the original offer package.
Summer Sessions 2020
Instruction
Remote instruction will continue during Summer Session A and Session C.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Maximum P/NP courses exception
Academic Senate policy (SR A-310) states that an undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis, and that a student who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP.
Amendment to policy: The Undergraduate Council will allow students in good standing to take more than one course in a term on a P/NP basis in Summer Sessions 2020. (Update on spring quarter grading) This amendment does not override additional college, school, or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
The following notation will appear on undergraduate transcripts for Summer Sessions 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Passed/Not Passed grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Change in grading basis exception
The deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, has been extended to the last day of instruction for Summer Sessions A and C. See Undergraduate Study List Deadlines and Fees.
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
The Graduate Council voted to allow departments, IDPs and schools to allow graduate students who are in good academic standing to enroll in more than one course graded on an S/U basis for the Summer and Fall Quarter 2020. This includes courses within the major, with the stipulation that the academic program must agree to accept these S/U-graded courses toward fulfilling degree requirements.
The following notation will appear on graduate transcripts for Summer Sessions 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Spring 2020
Instruction
Remote instruction will continue through Spring 2020.
Final Exams
Instructors who have scheduled a final exam in Spring 2020 may wish to offer alternative assessments, or to give students the ability to opt out of the final exam and receive the grade that they have earned up to that point, provided those students who wish to take the scheduled final exam are allowed to do so. Should a faculty member desire to do this, the Academic Senate authorizes this under the current suspension of specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505. Under this suspension, instructors have the flexibility to change their method of final assessments. See full guidelines.
Guidance on Undergraduate Academic Policies
Maximum P/NP courses exception
Academic Senate policy (SR A-310) states that an undergraduate student in good standing may enroll in one course each term on a P/NP basis, and that a student who has not elected the P/NP option in a preceding term may take two courses P/NP.
Amendment to policy: The Undergraduate Council will allow students in good standing to take more than one course in a term on a P/NP basis in Spring 2020. (Update on spring quarter grading) This amendment does not override additional college, school, or major limitations on the use of P/NP courses for degree requirements.
The following notation will appear on undergraduate transcripts for Spring 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Passed/Not Passed grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Change in grading basis exception
The deadline for undergraduate students to change the grading basis of an optionally graded course, using MyUCLA without a petition, has been extended to the last day of instruction (Friday, June 5, 2020). See Undergraduate Study List Deadlines and Fees.
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Grading
The Graduate Council temporarily delegates authority to departments, Interdepartmental Degree Programs (IDPs), and schools to allow graduate students in good academic standing to enroll in more than one course graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) basis for Spring 2020, including courses within the degree program, with the stipulation that departments, IDPs, or schools must accept these courses towards fulfilling degree requirements if taken for an S/U grade. (Update on spring quarter grading)
For students who are not in good academic standing, departments must submit a petition form and an updated academic plan for each student to take courses for S/U grading that would normally be taken for a letter grade.
The following notation will appear on graduate transcripts for Spring 2020 to acknowledge the impact of COVID-19: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grading permitted for many classes and degree requirements.”
Leave of Absence
The Graduate Council recommends that a leave of absence due to COVID-19 for Spring quarter 2020 not count against the allowed three quarters of leave.
Deadline Extensions for Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects
The Graduate Council extended the Spring filing deadline for theses, dissertations and capstone projects to June 22, 2020 (Thesis & Dissertation Filing Requirements).
Winter 2020
Instruction
As of March 11, 2020, all courses and final exams will be offered remotely in Winter 2020.
Final Exams
Instructors have the flexibility to change their method of final assessments in Winter 2020 under the Academic Senate’s suspension of specific sections of UCLA Senate Regulations 332 and 505 that restrict final examinations to the method, time, and place announced at the start of a quarter. The Undergraduate and Graduate Councils have delegated temporary authority to department chairs, vice chairs of graduate or undergraduate education, or their local equivalent, to cancel a final examination in Winter 2020. Departments should collect and submit this information to the respective Councils by 8:00 AM on March 16, 2020. See full guidelines.
Guidance on Graduate Academic Policies
Deadline Extensions for Theses, Dissertations, and Capstone Projects
The Graduate Council extended the Winter filing deadline for theses, dissertations and capstone projects to April 10, 2020 (Thesis & Dissertation Filing Requirements).
Clinical and Fieldwork Requirements for Graduate Programs
In cases where the completion of clinical and fieldwork requirements are affected by COVID-19, temporarily allow for the petition to extend the deadline to complete clinical or fieldwork hours for degree requirements to the end of Spring Quarter 2020.
Memos
Guidance for Fall 2021 Instructional Planning, April 2, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Guidance for Spring 2021 Instruction, April 2, 2021, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Authorization of Fall 2021 Remote Instruction, March 18, 2021, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Adjustments to Undergraduate Academic Policies in Spring 2021 and Summer 2021, February 22, 2021, Undergraduate Council
Authorization of Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 Remote Instruction, December 14, 2020, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Adjustments to Academic Policies in Winter 2021, November 24, 2020, Undergraduate Council
Executive Board Approval to Revoke Partially the Suspension of SR A-332, September 9, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Guidance for Fall 2020 Instructional Planning, September 4, 2020, Academic Senate Leadership, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Adjustments to Academic Policies in Fall 2020 Addendum, September 3, 2020, Undergraduate Council
Adjustments to Academic Policies in Fall 2020, August 19, 2020, Undergraduate Council
Memo on Spring 2020 Final Exams, June 3, 2020, Academic Senate Leadership, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Guidance on Graduate Degree Programs for International Students, AY 2020-21, May 21, 2020, Graduate Council
Suspension of P/NP Policies in Summer 2020, May 13, 2020, Undergraduate Council
Guidelines for Spring 2020 Final Exams, May 19, 2020, Academic Senate Chair, Graduate Council, Undergraduate Council
Clarification of Spring 2020 P/NP and Graduation Requirements, May 7, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Statement on Course Materials Developed for Remote Teaching During the COVID-19 Emergency, April 2, 2020, Academic Council
Update on Spring Quarter 2020 Grading, March 26, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Message to Faculty, March 16, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Legislative Assembly Approves Resolution to Suspend Specific Sections of Senate Regulations 332 & 505 to Support Student Progress and Instructional Continuity, March 12, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Procedures for Final Assessment for Winter 2020 Undergraduate and Graduate Courses, March 12, 2020, Academic Senate
How to Administer Your Winter 2020 Final Exam Remotely, March 11, 2020, College Faculty Executive Committee Chair
Final Exams for Winter Quarter 2020, March 11, 2020, Undergraduate Council and Graduate Council
Update on Instructional Continuity, March 9, 2020, Academic Senate Chair
Academic Continuity Tools for Coronavirus Preparedness, March 6, 2020, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost and Academic Senate
Resources
- COVID-19 Resources: Information for the Campus Community
- Bruins Safe Online
- COVID-19 FAQ (Registrar's)
- Undergraduate Study List Changes Deadlines and Fees (Registrar's)
- COVID-19 Updates (Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars)
- COVID-19 Information and Updates: For Students and Instructors (Center for Accessible Education)
- Keep Teaching: Pedagogy (Center for the Advancement of Teaching)
- Teaching Equitably and Effectively During COVID-19 (Center for Education Innovation & Learning in the Sciences)
- Faculty Resources (Dean of Students)
- Zoom Security Settings (Administrative Vice Chancellor's Office)
- Bruin Resources & Tools (Administrative Vice Chancellor's Office)
- COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
- UCLA Basic Needs COVID-19 Resource Guide (Basic Needs Committee and Community Programs Office)