Course Repetition

Significant changes to course repetition regulations are expected to be implemented during the 2011/12 academic year.  Please check with the Admissions and Records Office for the most recent information.

Currently, students may repeat courses in which substandard grades (less than "C") were earned no more than two times, except in extenuating circumstances. When course repetition occurs, the permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, insuring a true and complete academic history.

Under special circumstances, students may repeat courses in which a "C" or better grade was earned or when allowable repetitions to alleviate substandard course work have been exhausted. Such special circumstances are described below.  (Source: MCCCD Board Policy 4225)

Repetition with Withdrawal (W)

Students are limited to four withdrawals from a course. Students may petition for additional enrollment only under extenuating circumstances, such as a significant lapse of time (see below). When a student enrolls again for a course after the fourth "W" has been received, the enrollment must result in an evaluative grade. For nonrepeatable courses, a grade of "MW" (military withdrawal) is treated in the same manner as a "W." (Source: MCCCD Board Policy/Administrative Procedure 4225)

Repetition Due to Significant Lapse of Time

Students may be permitted to repeat a nonrepeatable course in which a "C" or better was earned in either of the following circumstances:

• When there has been a significant lapse of time (not less than two years) since the student previously took the course. A single repeat is the maximum allowed under this provision.
• When an institution of higher education to which a student wishes to transfer has established a recency requirement that the student cannot satisfy without repeating the course. The student must submit a repeat form to the Committee on Exceptions documenting the transfer institution's recency requirement.

Grades awarded for courses repeated under these provisions shall not be counted in calculating a student's grade-point average. When a student has exhausted the number of permitted repetitions in a repeatable course, one additional repetition may be permitted due to significant lapse in time.

(Source: MCCCD Administrative Procedure 4228)

Repetition to Alleviate Substandard Course Work

Students may repeat courses designated as "nonrepeatable" up to a total of two times in which substandard grades (less than "C") were awarded. Students must submit a repeat form to the Admissions and Records Office at the time of enrollment. Upon completion of a repeated course, subsequent to substandard coursework, the most recent evaluative grade earned will be computed in the cumulative grade-point average and the student's academic record so annotated.

Students may petition for a third repetition (fourth attempt) of the course if there are extenuating circumstances that justify an additional repetition. Extenuating circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. If the district finds the circumstances are justified, the previous grades and credit will be disregarded when recalculating the student's grade point average after each repetition.

Students must receive prior written permission from the Committee on Exceptions. When course repetition occurs, the permanent academic record shall be annotated in such a manner that all work remains legible, ensuring a complete and true academic picture. Nothing can conflict with Education Code §76224 pertaining to the finality of grades assigned by instructors or with Title 5 or district procedures relating to retention and destruction of records. No more than two substandard grades per course may be alleviated.

(Source: MCCCD Administrative Procedure 4225)

Repetition Absent Substandard Course Work

Under special circumstances, students may repeat courses in which a "C" or better grade was earned.

• Certain activity, performance, and skill courses have been designated as repeatable courses and are identified as such in the catalog's course descriptions. Those courses meet one of two criteria: the course content differs each time the course is offered or the student develops a skill or proficiency each time he or she repeats the course.
  • Foreign language, ESL, and non-degree applicable basic-skills courses are not eligible for repetition based on these criteria.
  • Eligible courses may be repeated up to three times for a maximum of four completions.
  • When an activity course is part of a sequence that represents multiple skill levels (such as beginning, intermediate, and advanced), students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the sequence for a total of four completions. Students cannot, however, take a lower-level course after successfully completing a higher-level course within the sequence.
  • Activity courses in the visual or performing arts can be repeated three times each if they are part of a transfer sequence. This transfer-sequence rule applies only to visual or performing arts courses in music, fine arts, theater, or dance. 
• A student may petition to the Committee on Exceptions, at any time, to repeat a course for which substandard course work has not been recorded based on a finding that the student's previous grade is, at least in part, the result of extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are verified cases of accidents, illness, or other circumstances beyond the control of the student. The Committee on Exceptions will review these requests and may consult with the appropriate instructional department chairperson and/or faculty member. Decisions will be based on a number of variables including whether the course itself is repeatable, what grade the student received, and the extenuating circumstances. Grades awarded for courses repeated under these circumstances shall not be counted in calculating a student's grade point average.
• A student may repeat a course where substandard academic work has not been recorded when repetition is necessary for a student to meet a legally mandated training requirement as a condition of continued paid or volunteer employment. The student must certify or document that course repetition is necessary to complete legally mandated training.
• A student who has been identified by the district as possessing a disability may repeat a "special class for students with disabilities" any number of times under the following circumstances:
  • When continuing success of the student in other general and/or special education classes is dependent on additional repetitions of a specific special class.
  • When additional repetitions of a specific special class are essential to completing a student's preparation for enrollment into other regular or special classes.
  • When the student has a student educational contract that involves a goal other than completion of the special class in question and repetition of the course will further the achievement of the goal.

The previous grade and credit of the "special class for students with disabilities" may be disregarded in computing the student's GPA each time the course is repeated.

(Source: MCCCD Administrative Procedure 4227)