Pass/Fail Option

A junior or senior in good standing whose cumulative average is 2.0 or higher may, in each semester, take one course on a pass or fail basis, but in no case may a student take more than four pass/fail courses to be counted toward degree requirements.

Students must obtain the permission of the Academic Progress Committee before enrolling in a course for pass/fail credit. They must meet all the regularly stated prerequisites for admission to the course and all the course requirements, such as attendance, assigned work, and examinations. Passing grades received under the plan do not affect a student's cumulative average. Failing grades received under this plan are included in the student's cumulative average.

The course must be outside the major or minor field of concentration and outside related courses as defined by the major department, and the pass/fail option may not be used for courses which are to be used toward satisfaction of the requirements for the Common Course of Study. Courses which are considered introductory in any field or which are designed specifically as exploratory courses for non-majors may not be taken for pass/fail credit.

Students taking a course on a pass/fail basis may petition to be permitted to convert to a grade basis at any time before midterm. Conversely, a student may change from conventional grading to a pass/fail option within, but not after, the first two weeks of classes. If a student drops a course with the pass/fail option after the term has begun, the option may not be used for another course during that term.

Students should be aware that many graduate and professional schools react unfavorably to pass/fail grades.