Policy on Grade Modes

Supersedes: Current catalog language on optional CR/NC limits and processes, as amended by this policy upon approval and publication.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy establishes an optional ABC/NC grade mode for eligible courses and updates campus rules for optional CR/NC, including term and degree-unit limits, eligibility, grade conversion, and petition procedures.

The optional ABC/NC grading mode provides a student-centered grading option that reduces punitive GPA consequences for near-passing performance while preserving academic standards, departmental prerogatives, and compliance with CSU and Title 5 regulations. The policy clarifies when and how students may elect Optional ABC/NC or CR/NC, how grades convert, and what limits and considerations should be taken into account. 

Definitions:

Grade modes: Courses at Cal Poly Humboldt are offered with the following grade modes:

• Mandatory letter grades (A-F)
• Mandatory Credit/No Credit (CR/NC)
• Mandatory ABC/No Credit (ABC/NC)
• Optional grade mode

Credit (CR): A grade of CR indicates satisfactory achievement of course requirements. Does not affect GPA calculation.

No Credit (NC): NC indicates unsatisfactory achievement of course requirements. For an undergraduate, unclassified post-baccalaureate, and second bachelor’s degree student, No Credit is equivalent to a D+ or lower. For a graduate student who is in a master’s degree program or a credential-seeking student, NC is equivalent to a C+ or lower. This grade is not used in grade point calculation. Although NC does not affect GPA calculation, some universities and many graduate schools interpret an NC grade as an F.

ABC/No Credit (ABC/NC): ABC/NC is a grade mode in which an undergraduate, unclassified post-baccalaureate, or second bachelor’s degree student may earn a letter grade anywhere between an A and C- in a course, or receive an NC when the assigned grade is below a C-.

Optional Grade Mode: If a course is designated to have an optional grade mode, students may choose any of the defined grade modes above for a course in their Student Center during the first 11 weeks of classes. Graduate and Credential seeking students may not choose ABC/NC as an optional grade mode.

Policy Details:

1. CR/NC

   1. Students are limited to one optional CR/NC or optional ABC/NC graded course per semester.

   2. Courses used to fulfill major requirements may not be taken on an optional CR/NC basis.

   3. No more than 24 semester units of CR/NC courses (both mandatory and optional) taken at Cal Poly Humboldt will count towards a bachelor’s degree.

   4. Graduate students can choose optional CR/NC only for courses not required by their approved program. No more than one-third of master’s degree courses may be taken CR/NC credit.

2. ABC/NC

   1. Students are limited to one optional CR/NC or optional ABC/NC graded course per semester.

   2. Students may use this grading mode for both elective courses and major/minor courses if the course is designated as optional grading mode.

   3. There is no limit to the number of successful units of ABC/NC courses taken at Cal Poly Humboldt which may count towards a bachelor’s degree.

   4. As there are implications for students receiving financial aid or veterans benefits, participating in NCAA athletics, and potentially other special circumstances, programs should think carefully about making the grade mode for a course mandatory ABC/NC or CR/NC.

   5. Graduate and Credential courses may not have ABC/NC as an optional grade mode.

3. Grade Point Values and GPA Calculation: Letter grades A-F and “WU” (unauthorized withdrawal) are used for GPA calculation. Grades are followed by their assigned grade point values. A (4.0); A- (3.7); B+ (3.3); B (3.0); B- (2.7); C+ (2.3); C (2.0); C- (1.7); D+ (1.3); D (1.0); F (0.0); WU (0.0). AU, CR, I, NC, RD, RP and W are not used in GPA calculation. I and RP may convert to grades that are used to calculate GPA.

Students should always consult an academic advisor when considering changing the grade mode for a course. There may be considerable implications for financial aid eligibility, veterans benefits, NCAA regulations, and more. For further information regarding the complexities of Optional Grade modes, such as ABC/NC and CR/NC, please contact the Financial Aid Office, the Advising Center and visit the Advising Canvas Page.

History

All changes must be listed chronologically in the format below, including all edits and reviews. Note when the policy name or number changes. Note if an edit or revision date is exclusively for the policy section or the procedure section: 

Reviewed by University Senate: 10/13/2026
Approved by Provost: 10/14/2026