New Implementation of Second Repeat Policy - FAQ’s
Q: When will the new implementation take place?
The new implementation will take place in Winter 2010 as follows:- If the second attempt of a course is DURING or AFTER Winter 2010, we will by default deny a third attempt (second repeat) but
- If the second attempt (first repeat) of a course was BEFORE Winter 2010, we will by default allow a third attempt (second repeat).
Please note in all cases you will still need to apply for permission to take a course for the third time by submitting a petition.
Q: Does this new implementation mean that I can never take a course a third time?No. As in the past, you can apply for permission to take a course for a third time but be aware that permission will only be granted in rare circumstances and only with appropriate documentary evidence. Please contact the College Office for guidance on possible exceptions.
Q: Does this change in implementation affect the number of units I can legally repeat?
No – you are still entitled to 16 units of legal repeats. For further information about legal repeats, click here.Q: Why has the College of Letters and Science changed its implementation of the Academic Senate Policy on second repeats? We have observed over a number of years some very negative impacts of allowing students to take a class three times. First, the fact that students can repeat for a second time, encourages some students to fail a course that they are repeating if they don’t believe they will get the grade in the course that they need or want. This is particularly prevalent in situations where students are trying to meet a pre-major GPA and, rather than accept the passing grade that they are earning, they will often choose to fail the class so that they can take it again to try to satisfy the GPA. Secondly, being allowed to take classes three times allows students to avoid the reality that they may not be suited to that major. We often see students who take pre-major courses two or three times before belatedly realizing that the major is not going to work for them. Lastly, students who are enrolled in classes for a third time are taking space from students who need the course and have not yet had the opportunity to take it. Each year several hundred seats in courses are taken up by students taking the class for a third time.
