Academic Procedures and Policy

Students may take courses which are offered on a Credit/No Credit basis for up to 20% of their total semester hours requirement for graduation. For undergraduate courses, a grade of CR may be given for performance equal to or greater than a grade of “C.” A CR/NC course will not affect the grade point average. Courses offered on a CR/NC basis will count toward fulfilling requirements of the academic major, academic minor, or University Core. Courses offered on a graded basis which a student elects to take on a CR/NC basis will not fulfill academic major, academic minor, or University Core requirements. Students may change their grade option through the last day of the twelfth week of classes during the fall and spring semesters.

See Bulletin for full policy.

To request a CR/NC grading option, Visit Registrar's "Forms" Page and submit the request. It will be reviewed by the CFA Assistant Dean and then processed by the Registrar’s Office. Please allow 5–10 business days for processing. You can check the status of your request via the Registrar's workflow dashboard.

Is this Grading Option Right for Me

Credit/No Credit can be a helpful option for some students, depending on their academic goals and the type of course they are taking. In most cases, it is best used for elective courses that will not count toward Core, major, or minor requirements. To earn a grade of Credit, students must receive a final grade of C or higher. Courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis do not affect GPA. Students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor before choosing this option to make sure it aligns with their academic plan.

How many Credit/No Credit courses can I take?

Students may take Credit/No Credit coursework for up to 20% of the total semester hours required for their degree. For a 124-unit program, that equals 24.8 units over the course of the degree. For a 120-unit program, that equals 24 units.

I requested Credit/No Credit but changed my mind. Can i Switch back to letter grading?

No. Once a grading option change request has been submitted, it is considered final and cannot be reversed.

Can I take a major, minor, or Core course as Credit/No Credit?

No, courses that a student elects to take on a Credit/No Credit basis do not count toward Core, major, or minor requirements. The exception is for courses that are originally offered by the University on a Credit/No Credit basis.

When is the deadline to request Credit/No Credit?

Students can change their grading option up to the published deadline each fall and spring semester, typically around the tenth week of each term. See the Academic Calendar for the exact date. 

To request a late add, visit the Registrar’s Forms page and submit the Late Add request form. Late add requests are reviewed by the CFA Associate Dean. Approval is not guaranteed, and processing may take 5–10 business days. 

Can I request to add a course late if the class is full?

No. Late add requests are only considered for courses that still have available space.

I have a Student Accounts hold and cannot complete registration before the add/drop deadline. What should I do?

If you have a Student Accounts hold, contact Student Accounts as soon as possible to work toward resolving it. Student Accounts is located in VDA Suite 250 and can be reached at studacct@lmu.edu or 310.338.2711. You are also encouraged to connect with an academic advisor to discuss your options and next steps. 

Can I attend a class while my late add request is being reviewed?

No. Students who are not officially registered in a course may not attend class, submit coursework, or take exams while a late add request is pending. 

Does submitting a late add request guarantee that I will be added to the course?

No. Submitting a late add request does not guarantee approval. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and must be approved before the course can be added. So be sure to review the academic schedule of classes and identify courses with available seats.

How long does it take for a late add request to be processed?

Late add requests can typically take 5–10 business days to process once the form has been submitted. Students are encouraged to monitor their email, registration record, and the Registrar’s workflow dashboard for updates.

For step-by-step instructions on submitting forms, visit the Forms Explained page.
See Bulletin for full policy.

To request more than 18 units during the fall or spring semester, submit a Unit Overload request. For CFA students, requests are reviewed by the CFA Associate Dean.

Who can request a Unit Overload?

To be eligible, students must have a 3.50 overall GPA and must have completed at least 15 semester hours in the previous full semester. Exceptions may apply where appropriate. 

Can first-semester students request a Unit Overload?

No. Unit Overload is not available during a student’s first semester at LMU, including for first-year students and incoming transfer students.

When can I request a Unit Overload?

Beginning two weeks before classes start and through the last day to add/drop courses in the first week of the term.

How do I submit a Unit Overload request?

Visit the Registrar’s Forms page and select the Unit Overload form.

Does submitting a Unit Overload request guarantee approval?

No. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed.

Is there an extra cost for taking more than 18 units?

No. There is no additional tuition charge for an approved Unit Overload, though course or lab fees may still apply.

Instructions: Unit Overload Form

How to Video: Unit Overload

Thinking About Changing Your Major?

If you are thinking about changing your major, start by taking a step back and reflecting on what is prompting the change. You may have discovered a new interest through a class, internship, conversation, or extracurricular experience, or you may be questioning whether your current major still aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.

Before making a decision, ask yourself a few important questions:

• What led me to choose my current major?
• What aspects of my current major do I enjoy, and what feels like a poor fit?
• Am I interested in the subject itself, the career opportunities, or both?
• What do I hope a new major will provide that my current one does not?

As you explore other options, look beyond the title of the major. Review program websites, course requirements, and learning outcomes to better understand the knowledge and skills each program develops. Consider the types of careers, industries, and graduate or professional opportunities available, and think about how those pathways align with your goals.

What is the Process for Changing Your Major?

Entering first-year and transfer students are admitted to the University in their academic major of choice at the time of application.

Students on academic probation are generally not eligible to change programs until they have returned to good academic standing.

Depending on the program, changing majors may include an application, additional requirements, and space limitations.

Before submitting a request, students should review the website for the major they are interested in to understand program requirements and request approval from that program’s department chair. 

If approved for a new major, minor, or concentration, students must submit a Change of Program form through the Registrar’s Office to make the change official and ensure the update is reflected in their Degree Works report.

For step-by-step instructions on submitting forms, visit the Forms Explained page.
See Bulletin for full policy.