The purpose of this policy is to permit the college to offer a student the option of enrolling in a course on a credit/no credit basis in lieu of enrolling on a grade basis. This option to enroll in a class on a credit/no credit basis is designed to encourage students to explore courses without fear of penalty of a low grade in areas in which they have an interest but so special competence. The student shall be required to take all tests and to complete all assignments and shall be subject to all withdrawal and attendance regulations. Standards of evaluation are identical for all students. A "CR" grade is to be recorded for performance equivalent to "C or better" and an "NC" grade is to be recorded for less than satisfactory performance (D or less).
To obtain approval to enroll in a course on a credit/no credit basis, the student must apply in the Admissions Office no later than Friday of the fourth week for full semester (16 weeks) courses, Friday of the third week for 12-week courses, Friday of the second week for short-term courses (including summer and winter sessions), and Friday of the first week for 4-week or 5-week courses.
The decision to take a course on a CR/NC basis is irrevocable after the deadline has passed.
(1) The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college units attempted.
(2) The student must have completed 12 or more units of college courses.
(3) Part-time students (those enrolled in fewer than 12 units) are limited to five units of credit/no credit enrollment. Full--time students (those enrolled in 12 or more units) are limited to six units of credit/no credit enrollment. Exceptions for enrollment in a single course exceeding five units may be authorized by the Dean of Admissions.
(4) Course units taken under the option of credit/no credit may not exceed a total of 12 units at Santa Monica College.
(5) Students who have already received a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree from an accredited college or university may take an unlimited number of units on a credit/no credit basis.
The above information is taken from the SMC schedule of classes and the manual for instructors at Santa Monica College.