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TO P/NC OR NOT TO P/NC: THE PASS/NO CREDIT OPTION

As a student at Stony Brook you should be aware of the grading options available to you.On occasion students find themselves in “over their heads” in a given course. In such instances, selecting the P/NC grading option may be a viable course of action. The P/NCoption lies somewhere between taking the course for a grade (and risking the impact of an“F” on your GPA) and withdrawing from the course altogether (which is not always possible).

Let us take the following example. Suppose that it is well into the semester and a student with 12 credits is struggling in a three credit course. The student cannot withdraw from the class without having a petition to “underload” approved because that would mean dropping below full time status. Furthermore, the student really wants to take this course because of an interest in the subject. The dilemma is that this has always been a difficult subject for her and she doesn't want a poor grade to lower her GPA. By selecting the P/NC option for thecourse, the student will receive a “P” on her transcript for a passing grade (and credit towards graduation) or an “NC” if a failing grade is obtained (and no credit towards graduation). Neither a “P” nor an “NC” will average into the student's GPA, so the student has accomplished two things: remained in a course that interests her, but also protected her GPA.

There are restrictions concerning how the P/NC option may be used. Please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin, p.61 to read about them. The most pertinent restriction for most students is that courses designated P/NC may not be used to satisfy general education requirements.

You have until the end of the NINETH week of the semester to change a course to or from the P/NC option.You may take no more than 2 courses under the P/NC option in any one semester if you are full time (registered for 12 credits or more).

You may take no more than 1 course under theP/NC option in any one semester if you are part time (registered for 11 credits or less).If there is any doubt about whether the P/NC option is a good option for you given your circumstances, please consult with an Academic Advisor in the Academic Advising Center,Melville Library E2360.