Credit/D/Fail Policy Information

A student may choose to take a limited number of courses on a Credit/D/Fail basis, as opposed to a graded basis. Courses to be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis should be so indicated on the registration card or add/drop card. If a student chooses this option, credit is given if the student produces work at a level of C- or above, a grade of D is given if the student produces work at a D level, and a grade of F is given otherwise.

  • A student may elect no more than one course of the normal four-course load each semester on a Credit/D/Fail basis, although a student may elect a fifth course any semester on a Credit/D/Fail basis. [A student must be enrolled in no fewer than 4.0 credits total to elect the Credit/D/Fail grading option for a course.]
  • No more than four of the thirty-two courses required for graduation may be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis; courses in excess of the thirty-two required may be taken Credit/D/Fail without limit to number [beginning with the semester following the one in which the student completed 32 credits]. [The first rule above still applies.] Courses that may only be taken Credit/D/Fail (most music ensemble and dance performance courses) are not counted within these restrictions.
  • The deadline for changing the grading option from graded to Credit/D/Fail and vice versa is the end of the sixth week of class.
  • Most departments require that all courses taken to satisfy requirements for the major or minor be taken on a graded basis. Questions as to whether or not a course taken on the Credit/D/Fail basis will count toward a major or minor should be referred to the appropriate department.
  • An independent study or honors project may not be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis.
  • Students in class year 2011 or earlier: Courses taken to satisfy distribution requirements may be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis.
  • Students with a class year of 2012 or later: Courses taken to satisfy the College's requirement for a first-year seminar must be graded, and courses satisfying distribution and division requirements must also be taken on a graded basis (unless Credit/D/Fail are the only grades given for the course).
  • A grade of CR will not count toward a student's GPA. A grade of D or F will count toward a student's GPA.
  • A grade of D or F received in a Credit/D/Fail course will count toward academic standing (probation, suspension, dismissal). Please see the College Catalogue regarding academic standing requirements.