Grading Options

1. Optional Pass / No Pass or grade classes:
In these courses, students may elect to receive either a traditional letter grade of "A" through “F” or Pass/No Pass for the course. This choice must be made within the first four (4) weeks of the fall and spring semesters, and within 30% of the course in short-term courses.

2.  "Pass/No Pass" grading option:
Students selecting this grading option must submit the Pass/No Pass Option Request Form to the Records office by the specified deadline for each course. (See Deadlines and Dates to Remember)
Requests can be submitted in-person or by mail. If mailing, make sure the request is postmarked on or before the deadline date.  Requests received after the deadline will not be processed.
Once the Pass/No Pass grading option has been requested, it can’t be reversed.  Therefore, before selecting this option, students should consult with a counselor.

NOTE: In classes graded on this basis, students are held to attendance regulations and academic standards expected in the standard graded courses.

Students are advised to read the following statements before deciding to pursue a course on a graded ("A" to "F") or Pass/No Pass basis.

• A grade of "Pass" or "No Pass" does not affect a student's grade point average at Golden West College.
  
  
• "NC", "W", and "I" grades are utilized by Golden West College in the determination of academic probation and disqualification. (Refer to college regulations concerning "Probation/Disqualification.")
  
  
• Courses taken at Golden West College to remedy an admissions deficiency for the University of California due to poor or incomplete high school preparation are not acceptable if completed on a "Pass/No Pass" basis.
  
  
• Students required to complete 60 units of course work with a grade point average of 2.4 prior to transfer to a University of California campus, such as Irvine , must complete at least 42 of these units on a graded ("A" through "F") basis.
  
  
• Some universities may specify that courses required for a major be completed on a standard grade basis ("A" through "F").
  
  
• Some universities specify that courses taken to satisfy general education breadth requirements be completed on a standard grade basis ("A" through "F").
  
  
• Some institutions limit the number of units completed on a "Pass/No Pass" basis which are accepted toward the bachelor's degree.

Students planning to apply to competitive admissions programs such as the health professions are usually advised to complete the specified preparation on a graded basis ("A" through "F")