Earn credits without affecting your GPA
The only way a pass/fail class will affect your GPA is if you get an F. Here’s how it works: If you receive any grade of D- or above, you’ll earn credit hours and a grade of P (pass) will appear on your transcript. There is no impact on your GPA. However, if you fail the course, you won’t earn any credits, a grade of F (fail) will appear on your transcript, and your GPA will be impacted.
How to take a class as pass/fail
Follow these steps:
- Contact your school, who you will need to speak to first. They'll provide you with the form you need.
- Fill out the form and be sure to get the required signatures from your advisor and the dean of your school.
- If you’re a graduate student, you’ll also need your instructor’s signature on the form. If you’re an undergraduate student, your instructor won’t know you’re taking their course as pass/fail and their signature isn’t needed.
- Turn in the form to the Office of the Registrar by the pass/fail option deadline.
Requirements and restrictions
Every degree program has different requirements for taking the pass/fail option. Check your school’s academic bulletin or contact your advisor for details.
Pass/fail versus satisfactory/fail
Certain courses are taught as satisfactory/fail (S/F). This is different from the pass/fail option. In these courses, you will receive an S or F—not a letter grade. Courses graded as S/F generally include that information in the schedule of classes. Like the pass/fail option, a grade of S isn’t calculated in your GPA, but a grade of F is.
IU Indianapolis
Office of the Registrar
420 University Blvd
Indianapolis, IN 46202
USA