Pass/No Credit Grading Option

Who can apply?

• Undergraduate degree students in the Faculties of Arts, Science and Sobey School of Business
• Open Study students
• Visiting students
• Students enrolled in stand-alone certificate programs

Who cannot apply?

• Upgrading students
• Auditing students
• Students enrolled in the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

To achieve a P grade, a student must achieve a final grade of at least D (50%-59%). Final grades resulting in F (0-49) will be assessed as a NC grade. After applying for a P or NC grade option, the letter grade will be reflected as such on the student’s academic transcript once final grades for the course have been submitted.

Maximum Allowable Credit Hours

The number of courses a student can apply the P/NC grade option (combination of pass (P) and no credit (NC)) is based on the required number of credit hours (courses) in their program:

• 12 credit hours for 120 credit hour degree programs*
• 9 credit hours for 90 credit hour degree programs** 
• 10% of Certificate programs, 10% of Diploma programs (equivalent is dependent on required number of courses)*** 

Notes:

• P/NC grades granted in Winter 2020 will not apply towards the maximum allowable credit hours as listed above.
• *12 credit hours includes a combination of courses taken at Saint Mary’s University and on Letter of Permission.
• **9 credit hours includes a combination of courses taken at Saint Mary’s University and on Letter of Permission.
• ***10% includes a combination of course taken at Saint Mary’s University and on Letter of Permission.

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Using the P/NC Grading Option

Students can apply for the P/NC grade option for any undergraduate course in any year or at any level, following the maximum allowable credit hours. Exceptions to the P/NC grading option are listed in the section below. 

Students can apply a P grade towards no more than 50% of their credit hours required for the major, honours, minor or concentration in their Degree Program. Where advanced standing credit hours (noted as TR on a student record) are used towards major, honours, minor or concentration requirement, students may not exceed 50% of those requirements in combination with a P grade option.

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Exceptions to the P/NC Grading Option

The P/NC grading option is not available for the following:

• Honours Thesis
• Field courses
• Co-op Work Terms
• Advanced standing credit hours
• Courses with a recorded violation of academic integrity.
• A "P" may not be accepted as a prerequisite for other courses with minimum grade requirements (For example, where a C+ or better is required as a prerequisite).

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What if I repeat a course?

Please see: Retaking a Course

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SMU Plus Students 

Language courses taken in the SMU Plus program where a final grade of P is applied will not count towards the total allowable credits.

Academic

Students considering a P grade for course(s) that may serve as a prerequisite for other courses with minimum grade requirement in their program(s) should consult with their Academic Advising Office. Once a P/NC grade application is submitted the student will not have the opportunity to reverse their letter grade. For example, courses where a C grade or higher is required as a prerequisite.

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Employment Opportunities 

Students should consider that organizations outside the University may use grades to evaluate students for employment opportunities.

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Financial Aid (Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards)

Except in cases where eligibility requires a letter grade in a specific course:

• A Pass (P) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations, but credit hours will be recognized. 
• A No Credit (NC) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations; credit hours will not be recognized.

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Professional Accreditation and Certification 

Students considering a P grade and its impact on professional accreditation and professional certification should consult with their Academic Advising Office. For example, Engineering students applying for their discipline placement at Dalhousie should first speak with the Engineering Advisor.

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Graduate Programs

Students who plan to pursue further higher education should check the admission requirements prior to opting to complete a course using a final grade option of P. Students should consult their Academic Advising Office with further questions.

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Co-operative Education

Students should consult with the Co-operative Education Office prior to opting to complete a course using a final grade option of P.

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Dean's List

• A Pass (P) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations, but credit hours will be recognized. 
• A No Credit (NC) grade will not be included in CGPA calculations; credit hours will not be recognized.

• Students can apply for a P/NC grade in their current term from the first day of class until the last day to withdraw without academic penalty.
• Students are responsible for understanding how the P/NC grading option may impact their degree progress or post-degree options.  If you have questions, consult the Academic Calendar or your Academic Advisor.

Requests for Appeal/Reversal

• The P/NC grade option cannot be reversed. 
• Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be cancelled. 
• The original letter grade in courses where a P/NC has been applied will not appear on the student’s academic transcript and will not be released or reported in any way.

Academic Integrity

• If a student receives a grade of F as the decision due to an Academic Integrity violation for a course in which they had requested a P/NC grade, the P/NC will not be applied. 

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Application Form

Visit the Student Forms page for the Pass/No Credit Grading Option Request Form.