Previous Story
NMC offers ‘Excused Withdrawal’
The Northern Marianas College is offering “Excused Withdrawal” for student who have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and who may not have been able to complete the coursework because of the pandemic. That means that, instead of a letter grade, a student will get an “EW” on their transcript of records.
According to NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico, EWs are not calculated in a student’s cumulative Grade Point Average.
“If a student is unable to complete coursework due to impacts from COVID-19, a student may request for an ‘Excused Withdrawal.’ Upon approval, transcripts will reflect an ‘EW’ instead of a letter grade,” he said.
Eliptico said students are encouraged to speak with their advisers to understand their individual circumstances concerning degree completion and when they plan to retake the course(s).
The college has also waived late fees or penalties for students enrolled in the spring 2020 semester.
NMC is concluding the current spring 2020 semester and is conducting final exams this week. The college is gearing up for the summer semester, which will be offered entirely online from June 22 to Aug. 1.
The college has also announced the availability of financial aid resources such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the summer and fall semesters.
The college is still looking at a phased reopening of NMC campuses on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota for the fall semester.
The fall semester normally begins in August 2020, but the exact date of the reopening of NMC offices and continuation of face-to-face classes is being evaluated.
“The college will continue to be guided by the governor’s COVID-19 directives and other health advisories to determine what is in the best interest of students’ and employees’ safety and welfare,” said Eliptico.
