Pass/No Credit (P/NC) is a grading option for students. This option can be applied to courses completed in Fall Term 2022 onward. It cannot be retroactively applied to courses completed prior to September 2022. The P/NC option does not impact the student’s cumulative grade point averages (CGPA).
Courses with a final grade of P will count as degree credits but will have no effect on the student’s cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
Courses with a final grade of NC will not count as degree credits and cannot be used to fulfill program requirements nor meet prerequisites. They will not count as failures (F grade) and will not be included in the CGPA calculation.
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.
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:
Notes:
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.
The P/NC grading option is not available for the following:
Please see: Retaking a Course
Language courses taken in the SMU Plus program where a final grade of P is applied will not count towards the total allowable credits.
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.
Students should consider that organizations outside the University may use grades to evaluate students for employment opportunities.
Except in cases where eligibility requires a letter grade in a specific course:
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.
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.
Students should consult with the Co-operative Education Office prior to opting to complete a course using a final grade option of P.
Visit the Student Forms page for the Pass/No Credit Grading Option Request Form.
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