Pass/Fail Policy Implications for VA Benefits
Impact of New Baylor Pass/Fail Policy (SPRING 2020 Only) on Students Receiving VA Benefits
How might a student’s VA Education Benefit be impacted by electing to convert an assigned grade to the Pass/Fail grading basis that results in a “Fail”?
A “Pass” on a Pass/Fail course will not result in a repayment of your funds to the VA.
A “Fail” on a Pass/Fail basis is considered a “non-punitive” grade by the VA. A non-punitive grade does not count as earned credit and does not impact progress standards for graduation. If a student completes the term and receives one or more non-punitive grades, the non-punitive grades must be reported to the VA and could lead to the following results based on the relevant benefit chapter.
- For Chapter 35 (DEA), Chapter 30 (MGIB-AD), or Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR) benefit students: If the “Fail” results in falling below the minimum 12 degree applicable credit hour requirement, students are subject to repay a portion of the monthly stipend dating back to the first day of the term.
- For Chapter 33 Post 9/11 benefit students: There are multiple scenarios that may apply to this situation:
- If the “Fail” results in a student falling below the minimum 12 degree applicable hour tuition and fee base rate, the student will be subject to repaying the VA based on a prorated tuition and fee benefit.
For example, a student was certified for 12 degree applicable hours and received a “Fail” for three hours. The VA could expect repayment for three credit hours of tuition and fees dating back to the first day of the semester, which is estimated to be $6000. According to the VA standards, the VA may also expect repayment for a portion of housing allowance once a student is considered to be below full time, which is estimated to be $1,627.
- If the “Fail” does not result in a student falling below the minimum 12 degree applicable hour tuition and fee base rate, then two possible scenarios apply.
- Example 1: A student was certified for 15 degree applicable hours and elects a “Fail” for three credit hours on a course with no course fee associated with it. The election of a “Fail” will not affect the student’s benefits for Spring 2020.
- Example 2: A student was certified for 15 degree applicable hours and elects a “Fail” for a course that has a $100 course fee associated with it. The student will be expected to repay the $100 course fee to the VA.
- For Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment students: A student should speak with his or her VR&E case manager.