Pass/No Pass Petition Guide

"Pass/No Pass" allows you to earn credit for a class without the added pressure of earning an "A." As long as you earn a grade of "C" or better in the class, your record will show you have earned credit for the class (this will show as a "P" on your transcript). Your grade will not show in your transcripts.
You can choose to take any class as Pass/No Pass, but you need to be aware of some limitations. This guide will help you learn about the Pass/No Pass option and decide if it is the best strategy for you.
At the end you will have the option to initiate a Pass/No Pass Petition.
The deadline for submitting a Pass/No Pass Petition for your class depends on how the class is scheduled. To find the deadline for classes scheduled in other lengths, please refer to www.glendale.edu/class-schedule/important-dates/session-dates-deadlines.

While this guide will help inform your choices, we strongly recommend you speak with a counselor to discuss the best use of the Pass / No Pass grading option for your unique situation. Please visit www.glendale.edu/counseling meet with one online.

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BELOW

When should you take a class as Pass/No Pass?

When you want to reduce stress
- With Pass/No Pass you don't have to worry about getting an "A" or a "B"
- as long as you earn a "C" or higher in the course, you receive the credit and there is no impact on your GPA
When you want to balance-out your schedule
- Taking some classes as Pass/No Pass may allow you to spend more time on other classes for which posted letter grades are a higher priority
When you want to explore
- With Pass/No Pass you may be able to take more challenging courses without worrying about lowering your GPA
When your class is either a general education requirement or an elective
- They are courses you are taking for your own interest or to fulfill GE requirements, but not as a requirement for your major
- Although you can take college-level mathematics or English as Pass/No Pass, the policy may differ at each college, and these courses may be part of your major requirements. Be cautious. Contact the admissions office at each college you are interested in transferring to for their current policy or meet with your GCC Transfer Counselor.

Situations when it is recommended that you NOT take a class as Pass/No Pass

When the course is part of your major
- Please visit www.assist.org to see which of your courses are required for your major
- Courses may also be required to be graded for graduate school
When the college you with to transfer to does not allow it
- Although you can take college-level mathematics or English as Pass/No Pass, the policy may differ at each college. Be cautious. Contact the admissions office at each college you are interested in transferring to for their current policy or meet with your Transfer Counselor.
When you need to earn units and are getting a D
- Taking the "D" grade allows you to earn units for the course
- If you take it as Pass/No Pass, it won't hurt your GPA, but you won't earn units unless you perform at least "C" level work
When you want to boost your GPA
- If you need to boost your GPA and you know you will earn a high grade in the course
When you are in a Special Program
- If you are in the Nursing Program, Athletics Program, International Student Program, or other special program, you must first talk to a counselor before taking a course as Pass/No Pass
When you are transferring
- Each 4-year college has a limit on how many courses you can take Pass/No Pass. Check with the college and program you are interested in transferring to. As general guidance, we do not recommend more than 2 or 3 courses taken as Pass/No Pass.

Some universities are making temporary exceptions to rules about Pass/No Pass for major preparation courses

As the pandemic continues many schools are beginning to reduce the flexibility they showed early on, especially when it comes to major requirements
Each University of California (UC) will make decisions on whether you can take a major prerequisite as a Pass/No Pass
In some cases, the California State University (CSU) will allow major preparation courses to be taken as Pass/No Pass. Also, for your transfer associate's degree, you can take major courses as Pass/No Pass (this is not a temporary exception, it has always been the case). However, it is recommended that you avoid taking major preparation courses as Pass/No Pass if possible. So if you are considering this option, please discuss it with a counselor first.
You should check with any private and out-of-state colleges you intend to transfer to for guidance on their policy.
Please visit this GCC Transfer Center webpage for more info about transfer policies: www.glendale.edu/students/student-services/transfer-center/transfer-center-updates

How to submit Select Pass/No Pass through MyGCC