Course Repeat Policy

Course Repeat Policy

1. Scope & Purpose

This policy applies to undergraduate students seeking to improve their Cumulative GPA (CGPA) by retaking a course. This policy ends once a degree has been conferred; any repeats taken after graduation will not impact the CGPA or degree credits.

2. Repeating a Course at NDSU

  • Most Recent Grade Rules: Only the grade and credits from the most recent attempt are used to calculate the CGPA and satisfy degree requirements.
  • Transcript Marking: All previous attempts remain on the transcript but are marked as "Repeat Excluded." The latest attempt is marked "Repeat Included."
  • Credit Limits: Students may repeat a class any number of times, but a course counts toward degree requirements only once, unless the curriculum or course description specifically allows for multiple completions.

3. Repeating a Course via Transfer

If a student repeats an NDSU course at another institution:

  • GPA Impact: The original NDSU grade is removed from the CGPA calculation ("Repeat Excluded"), but the transfer grade is not factored into the NDSU CGPA.
  • Credit Impact: The transfer credit is recorded and applied to degree totals but is listed under the transfer institution's block on the transcript.

4. Restrictions & Requirements

  • Departmental Limits: Academic departments may restrict the number of repeats for specific majors if documented in the official curriculum.
  • Grading Basis: You cannot repeat a letter-graded course (A–F) using the Pass/Fail option.
  • Financial Aid: Repeating courses may impact financial aid eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students should consult the Financial Aid Office before enrolling.
  • Academic Standing: Repeating courses does not change academic standing for previous semesters. 

Review and Revision: This policy is reviewed annually by Registration and Records and updated as needed by the University Curriculum Committee.

Approval and Effective Date: 01/20/2025 approved by the University Curriculum Committee; and 02/10/2025 approved by Faculty Senate. Effective date: 03/01/2025.