Many colleges require a core curriculum and specific courses for majors, but offer pass/no pass electives for personal interest. Students must have acceptable academic standing and consult advisors before taking these courses. Pass/no pass reduces GPA pressure and is treated as an audit, with grades of D or better considered passable. It should not be seen as a substitute for foundational courses in a major program.
Many colleges and universities require students to select a mandatory core curriculum from general education classes, along with the specific courses required for their majors. These required courses and major-oriented electives are typically assigned letter standards, and the student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated from those scores. However, many students have the option to take electives for a grade known as a pass/no pass. This type of class is usually an elective course outside of the student’s primary or main curriculum, taken for personal edification or personal interest.
The rules for arranging a pass/no pass assessment option vary from institution to institution, but in general, the student must have an acceptable academic standing before applying for the option. Many colleges require students to consult their academic advisors before taking any classes with this assessment option, since credit for such courses doesn’t always count towards the degree. Counselors should know that the class is not a substitute for a foundational course in the student’s major or major program. The pass/no pass option rarely, if ever, applies to required courses, only to electives outside a student’s major.
One benefit of a pass/no pass class is the reduced emphasis on assessment and overall GPA. Many students attending school on scholarships and financial aid programs must maintain a certain GPA to remain eligible for funding. An art graduate may have a personal interest in a business course, for example, but might fear lowering her overall GPA if she takes the class by a grade and doesn’t do well. Under the pass/no pass system, the art student can attend the business class without the pressure to make a specific grade, and the result is not factored into the student’s overall GPA.
Many colleges and universities treat the pass/no pass option as an audit, meaning the student must complete all required course material in order to receive the grade. In many cases, the instructor is not even aware that a particular student is taking the course with this assessment option. The instructor awards a letter grade for the student’s performance, which is later converted to a P or NP designation.
In general, grades of D or better are considered passable, while an F is considered a failing grade. Some institutions use a grade of C or higher to determine pass/no pass. These policies are usually defined in the student manual. The option should not be seen as a “get out of class free” card, but more as an opportunity to gain personal knowledge without the pressure of grades or maintaining a GPA.
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