Understanding graduate research course grade modes (9970, 9980, 9990)

Grade Mode 7, Research Zero Credit, (R grade)

  • Should only be used on 9980/9990 Master’s Thesis or PhD Dissertation Research

  • Only used when all other GR coursework is complete

  • Registration in 9980/9990 courses gives the student full time status (a job runs overnight – Time Status of RS=Full Time - (REG_STATUS_UPDATE_C))

  • R graded courses are not assessed by a professor; the Registrar’s Office runs a job to auto apply the R grade

  • R graded courses do not count in the student’s earned hours

  • Should be zero credits

Use

Most schools use the 7 grade mode and waive tuition, only charging $300 (or so) for the GR student to continue their research and maintain full time status.
Courses that carry credit must be assessed per The Department of Education Compliance Policies.

Grade Mode K, Research For Credit, (P/F Grade)

  • Used for 9970, 9980 and 9990 courses that are not zero credit

  • Used for Research courses that need variable credits

  • Students registered in research courses with credits must be assessed. The K Grade Mode grades with a P/F (Pass / Fail) grade only. 

  • Registration in 9980/9990 courses gives the student full time status (a job runs overnight – Time Status of RS=Full Time - (REG_STATUS_UPDATE_C))

  • Use of the K Grade Mode allows the courses to count in the student’s earned hours

    Courses that carry credit must be assessed per The Department of Education Compliance Policies.