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Policy 1.6: Course Repeat Policy

Applies to: A/BSN, CIPCT, DNP, Certs, PhD

I. Policy Statement

The School of Nursing supports student success through clear academic expectations and opportunities for improvement when course performance does not meet program standards. Repeating a course may be necessary when a student does not achieve the minimum passing grade, withdraws, or—in limited cases—requires remediation after a period of approved leave of absence.

Course repeat eligibility, limitations, and transcript recording are determined by University of Washington policies for undergraduate and graduate students, supplemented by program-specific requirements. The School of Nursing applies these policies consistently while providing guidance, resources, and support to students navigating the course repeat process.

II. Minimum Passing Grades

A. Undergraduate (A/BSN) Students

  • Minimum grade of 2.0 in all graded classes and “Credit” in non-graded classes.
  • Courses below 2.0 do not apply toward the degree.
  • Failure to meet the minimum grade requires the student to repeat the course and may result in an altered progression plan approved by the BSN Coordinating Committee.

B. Graduate (CIPCT, DNP, PhD) Students

  • Minimum grade of 2.7 in all graded courses and “Credit” in Credit/No Credit courses.
  • Courses below 2.7 do not apply toward the degree.
  • Failure to meet the minimum grade requires the student to repeat the course and may result in an altered progression plan approved by the appropriate Program Coordinating Committee.

III. University of Washington Course Repeat Rules

A. Undergraduate (A/BSN) Students

  • May repeat a course with program approval; both grades remain on the transcript and are factored into the GPA, with credit earned only once.

B. Graduate (CIPCT, DNP, PhD) Students

  • May repeat any course; both grades appear on the transcript and are included in the cumulative GPA.
  • Credit is counted only once toward degree requirements.

IV. Program-Specific Guidelines

A. Undergraduate (A/BSN) Students

The BSN Coordinating Committee may require a student to repeat a course as part of an altered progression plan.

B. Graduate (CIPCT, DNP, PhD) Students

  • CIPCT: Repeats follow Graduate School repeat rules; progress is monitored under Graduate School Policy 3.7.
  • DNP:
    • Failing the same course twice (grade < 2.7) or failing two different courses in two different quarters constitutes grounds for possible Academic Drop, as determined by the DNP Coordinating Committee.
    • Students may petition for continued enrollment in cases of extenuating circumstances.
    • The DNP Coordinating Committee may require a student to repeat course(s) as part of an altered progression plan, such as a leave of absence extending beyond one year.
  • PhD: Repeats follow Graduate School repeat rules; progress is monitored under Graduate School Policy 3.7.

C. In all programs:

  • Repeating a course is subject to space availability and may delay progression.
  • Students may be required to repeat prerequisites before enrolling in subsequent courses.
  • Clinical courses may require remediation or competency validation before re-enrollment.
  • In some cases, students may be placed on Academic Notification, Academic Alert, or Final Academic Alert per School of Nursing Policy 1.1 while repeating a course.

V. Student Responsibilities

  • Consult with program adviser to discuss a repeat plan and/or altered progression.
  • The program adviser will facilitate Coordinating Committee review and approval of the altered progression plan.
  • Review financial implications of course repetition.
  • Follow University registration deadlines and petition processes where applicable.

VI. Process

  1. Identification: A course grade below the program’s minimum passing standard or a Coordinating Committee decision regarding altered progression indicates a repeat is required.
  2. Outreach: The program adviser (or designated OSAA staff) proactively contacts the student to discuss the need to repeat the course and next steps.
  3. Advising: The student meets with the program adviser to review academic plan, timing, and registration options. If applicable, the adviser consults with the Coordinating Committee regarding exceptions or special circumstances.
  4. Registration: The student registers for the repeated course in the next available offering, following UW registration procedures and securing any required program approvals (such as for a third attempt).
  5. Documentation: The program adviser updates the student’s academic record to reflect the repeat requirement; any related academic progress status changes are documented per School of Nursing Policy 1.1.

VII. Roles and Responsibilities Summary

Task Program Adviser Program Coordinating Committee / Department Chair Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Student
Identify need to repeat course R R/A
Notify student R/A I
Academic advising on repeat plan R/A I I I
Approve exceptions or third attempt petitions C R/A C I
Update student record R/A I I
Register for repeated course I I R/A

RACI Legend:

  • R = Responsible: Performs the task
  • A = Accountable: Ultimately answerable
  • C = Consulted: Provides input
  • I = Informed: Kept up to date

Related Policies & References

Last updated: September 2025