Policy Rationale
Vermont State University (VTSU) encourages students to challenge themselves by registering for classes they might otherwise bypass due to fear of poor grades. The option to take a course Pass (P) /No-Pass (NP) provides latitude for such exploration without the penalty of a lowered grade point average (GPA) if performance is below normal. Unless specified in the catalog or course listing, most courses are offered as graded only.
Policy
Designation of a Course as Pass/No Pass
At the inception of the course, programs may designate a course as being (a) graded only, (b) Pass/No-Pass only, (c) student option to be taken either as graded or as a Pass/No-Pass course. Additionally, through the curriculum review process of the Faculty Assembly , programs may revise the course designation status.
Requesting a Pass/No Pass Grade for a Course
Students must request the P/NP option no later than the add period for a course.
Credit is received for P (Pass) grades, but the grades do not affect a student’s GPA. Failing work is recorded as NP (No Pass). NP grades do not earn credit nor does the grade affect the student’s grade point average.
Students may not choose the P/NP option for classes that will fulfill General Education requirements.
Internships may be approved as P/NP or for a letter grade.
Procedures
Students:
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Before course registration, students should verify with a faculty advisor that their program will accept P/NP courses; students seeking P/NP approval during the summer when faculty are off-contract can initiate the approval process by contacting the Student Success Advising center. Some programs may not allow Pass grades to fulfill requirements even if the option is available for the course.
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Students may request the P/NP designation by selecting the Pass/No-Pass option as a grade in the online web registration system or filling out the Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal/Audit/Override Form during registration and will not be permitted to make this change after the official add period for the course.
Responsibilities
Faculty:
Students:
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Ensure that any course taken using the P/NP option does not fulfill a General Education requirement in their degree plan.
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Verify that a P/NP option for a program requirement is approved by a faculty advisor prior to registration.
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Verify that a P/NP grade will not affect scholarship or athletic status eligibility by communicating with financial aid and/or athletics staff in advance of selecting the option.
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Select the P/NP option prior to the end of the add period for a course.
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If planning to transfer or to attend graduate school, research transfer and admissions policies for courses taken as P/NP. Some institutions may not accept courses without letter grades or equate a P to the lowest possible passing grade (D-), which may affect acceptance.
Related Documents and Forms
Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal/Audit/Override Form
Related Policies
Course Add/Drop/Withdrawal
Course Grades
Internships & Cooperative Education
Registration for Course Sections
Semester & Cumulative Grade Point Averages
Date of Last Approved Revision: March 2025
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