Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Academic Progress/Standing

What can I do if I am on probation or subject to disqualification for minimum progress?
Students who are not meeting the minimum progress requirement should plan on completing units during the summer to make up the deficit.
What do I do if I have received notification to come in for an interview?
An undergraduate is subject to disqualification when their overall or quarterly grade point average drops below 1.50, or when they have been on probation for more than 2 consecutive quarters. You must make an appointment with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office immediately.
What do I do once I have met my readmission or reinstatement contract?
Make an appointment with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office to discuss your progress on your readmission or reinstatement contract.
What is academic disqualification?
An undergraduate is subject to disqualification when their overall or quarterly grade point average drops below 1.50, or when they have been on probation for more than 2 consecutive quarters.
What is academic probation?
An undergraduate is on academic probation when their overall or quarterly grade point average drops below 2.00, but is higher than 1.50.
What is readmission?
Readmission is used for any student who has been out of UC Davis (inactive) for one or more regular quarters. The student must apply for readmission through the Office of the University Registrar at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the quarter s/he plans to return. The readmission application and specific readmission deadlines are available through the Office of the University Registrar's website.
What is reinstatement?
Reinstatement is used for a dismissed student who is being allowed to continue on a probation contract.
What is withdrawal?
Withdrawal is an immediate break in registration. Returning to UC Davis requires an application for readmission. Check with the Office of the University Registrar or their website for deadlines. If you are on probation when you withdraw, you will remain on academic probation upon return. Dismissal will override withdrawal. You must meet with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office if you are on academic probation or subject to disqualification and are considering withdrawal. NOTE: If a student withdraws from Summer Sessions only, they do not need to apply for readmission for Fall quarter.
What should I do if I am dismissed?
The first and most important step for College of Letters and Science students following dismissal will be to arrange to see an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office. The academic advisor will assist in providing options for becoming eligible to continue at UC Davis, satisfaction of deficiencies in summer or at another institution, or completion of the undergraduate degree at another university. Students in the College of Letters and Science may arrange for an academic advisor appointment.

Third and Final Dismissal

Beginning Fall 2012, a third dismissal is final and means you may not enroll at any University of California campus. Subsequent applications for readmission will not be approved. Any dismissal that occurred prior to Fall 2012 are excluded from the total.

Please note: Dismissal and readmission of students in the College of Letters and Science shall be ultimately at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and Advising.
What will happen if I don't meet the minimum progress requirement?
You are required to maintain an average of 12 units per full-time quarter to be in good standing for minimum progress (MP). If your degree progress average (DPA) falls below 12 units you will be placed on probation on the basis of inadequate progress. If your DPA remains below 12 units for three consecutive quarters you will be required to meet with an advisor in our office to avoid potential disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions About Classes

How can I switch a section after the drop deadline?
If you are attempting to switch sections of the same course after the add/drop deadline, but on or before the last day of instruction, do not use a permission to add (PTA) and permission to drop (PTD); submit a completed Undergraduate Course Change form to the Office of the University Registrar. You must obtain the instructor's permission/signature for the course for which you are attempting to switch enrollment. A $3.00 late schedule adjustment fee will be assessed to your account.
How do I change a grade to P/NP?
If you are in good academic standing, you can choose to take letter-graded courses on a Passed/Not Passed grading basis using Schedule Builder before the 40th day of instruction.
How do I change the unit value of a variable unit course after the deadline?
To change the unit value of a course after the 25th day of instruction, but on or before the last day of instruction, submit a completed Undergraduate Course Change form to the Office of the University Registrar. You must obtain the instructor's signature on the form. A $3.00 late schedule adjustment fee will be assessed to your account.
How do I petition for a drop or P/NP after the deadline?
You must schedule an appointment with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office to request permission for a late drop or late P/NP for a course. Timeliness is essential as you must provide supporting documentation with your petition. College of Letters and Science students may arrange for an academic advisor appointment.
How would a score of 3 or above on my College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations apply to my requirements?
A score of 3 or above on the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations will grant college credit toward the 180 quarter units you need to graduate. Please refer to the Advanced Placement chart in the General Catalog for more detailed information related to degree credit.
What are the criteria for repeating a course?
Students are allowed to repeat courses in which they have earned an NP or D+ or lower. Only the first 16 units repeated will remove the first grade from the GPA calculation. Repeating a course more than once requires approval from Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office. You can submit a request for a multiple repeat of a course through OASIS.
When is the drop deadline?
It is the 10th day of instruction for a limited number of courses with a designated 10-day drop deadline. All other courses have a drop deadline of the 20th day of instruction (dates and deadlines).
Who is eligible to file a Passed/Not Passed grading option?
A student must be in good academic standing for grades/GPA to be eligible to file P/NP.
Can I enroll in another institution while attending UC Davis?
You may petition to enroll simultaneously at another institution in a quarter during which your are enrolled as a full-time student at UC Davis. You can find information about the criteria and the petition here. You can find information about other special programs through the Office of the University Registrar here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Degree Requirements

Can I take General Education courses Passed/Not Passed?
Students who matriculated to UC Davis (or another institution of higher learning) for the first time in Fall 2011 or later are required to follow the "new" General Education requirement (GE3) and are allowed to take general education courses on a Passed/Not Passed basis. NOTE: There are limitations on the number of Pass/Not Passed units that can count toward degree requirements in the College of Letters and Science. Students who matriculated to UC Davis (or another institution of higher learning) PRIOR to Fall 2011, may choose to follow the "former" General Education (GE2) requirement and must take all courses used in satisfaction of this requirement for a letter grade. A student who takes General Education course and elects the P/NP grading option for that course will not receive General Education credit under the "former (GE2) General Education requirement.
Can I use my Advanced Placement score to satisfy the General Education requirement?
Advanced Placement (AP) credit cannot be used to satisfy the General Education requirement. General Education is satisfied by college coursework only. However, a score of 4 or 5 on either the English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition AP exams yields credit for UWP 1 or English 3 which can be used to satisfy the lower division component of the College of Letters & Science's English Composition Requirement. This requirement is a component of the "Literacy With Words and Images" Core Literacy in GE3.
How do I get a degree check?
An official degree check is automatically performed for students admitted as freshmen in their third year of enrollment (junior year) and incoming transfer students during their first term of enrollment at UC Davis. Students can request an official degree check (after 84 units) via the Undergraduate Education and Advising website: https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/advising.
How do I get degree credit for a graduate (crs number 200) or professional course (crs numbered 300 & 400)?
Degree credit for these courses will be granted only by permission of Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office. There is a limit of 9 units for courses numbered 200, 300 and 400. You can download the petition from the College of Letters & Science Advising website (forms and petitions). A GPA of 3.30 and 18 units of upper division preparation work are required.
What scores must I have from Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) to get credit?
An International Baccalaureate score of 5-7 yields college credit. A score of 5 on IB is equivalent to 3 on an Advanced Placement Exam. An IB score of 6 is equivalent to a 4, and a score of 7 is equivalent to 5 on an Advanced Placement Exam. Please refer to the International Baccalaureate chart in the General Catalog for more detailed information.
Will the courses I choose satisfy requirements for graduation?
Yes, every course will meet a requirement, since you must complete at least 180 units before you graduate.
Can I enroll at another institution while attending UC Davis?
You may petition to enroll simultaneously at another institution while attending UC Davis. You can find information about the criteria and the petition here. You can find information about other special programs through the Office of the University Registrar here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grades

Can I repeat a course more than once?
Students are allowed to repeat courses in which they have earned a grade of NP or D+ or lower. Only the first 16 units repeated will remove the first grade from the GPA calculation. Repeating a course more than once requires the permission of Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office. You can submit a request for a multiple repeat of a course through OASIS.
Can I take all my courses for the quarter P/NP?
If you choose to take all your courses for the quarter Passed/Not Passed be aware of all P/NP limitations. It is generally not advisable to take all courses for your final quarter P/NP, so consult with your advisor before exercising this option.
How long do I have to complete an "I" grade?
Any "I" (incomplete) grade must be replaced with a letter grade or "P" by the end of the third succeeding registered quarter. After that time, it will automatically revert to an "F" (or "NP"). You are not allowed to re-enroll for a course for which an "I" grade has been assigned.
Is there a unit limitation for P/NP?
In the College of Letters and Science, excluding the courses that are graded on a Passed/Not Passed basis only, the limit is not more than one fourth of the units completed on the Davis campus. There is also a limit on the total number of courses graded P/NP, including courses that are Passed/Not Passed only. The limit is not more than one third of the units completed on the Davis campus.
What is an Incomplete grade?
An Incomplete ("I") grade may be assigned if a student's work is of passing quality and represents a significant portion of the requirements for a final grade, but is incomplete for a good cause as determined by the instructor. The assignment of an "I" grade is at the discretion of the instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation

Can I cancel my graduation application if I decide to attend another quarter?
Should you need to cancel your application for graduation, return to the Online Graduation Application and select the option to cancel your application. You must do this on the Office of the University Registrar's website.
Can I participate in the commencement ceremonies even if I have not completed all my degree requirements?
You must complete at least 160 units by the end of Winter quarter to be eligible to participate in the Spring quarter commencement ceremony and 150 units after Spring quarter to attend the Fall quarter ceremony. Additional commencement information can be found at the commencement website.
How can I obtain certification that I have completed my degree requirements if I need it for employment or graduate school?
You can request Verification of Completion of Undergraduate Degree Requirements from the Office of the University Registrar once you have filed for graduation. The Verification can be provided only after all requirements and coursework are complete and grades reported. This form is available at http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/office_of_the_registrar_forms.html.
How do I apply for graduation?
To officially graduate from the University and receive your diploma, you must file at the Office of the University Registrar's website (http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/) . Registering to participate in the Commencement Ceremony is a separate process and not the same as filing to graduate.
How do I get a degree check?
An official degree check is automatically performed for students admitted as freshmen in their third year of enrollment (junior year) and for incoming transfer students during their first term of enrollment at UC Davis. Students can monitor their degree progress using the campus degree audit system at My Degree. Students with questions regarding their My Degree audit should contact Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office.
How do I know if I can graduate?
You must contact your major advisor to verify completion of requirements for your major specifically, and then meet with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office if you have questions about any College and University requirements remaining. You should also check the Office of the University Registrar's website, which lists the filing deadlines for graduation http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/academic_calendar.html.
How do I order an official transcript?
Requests for official transcripts must be made through the Office of the University Registrar http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/html/office_of_the_registrar_forms.html.
I am graduating within the next 2 quarters and I would like a final degree check.
Review the Graduation Information Checklist available on the College of Letters and Science Advising website. Check with your major advisor and review your degree check.
When will I receive my diploma?
Official diplomas will be available approximately 4 months after you graduate. You may pick up your diploma at the Office of the University Registrar, Dutton Hall, or request it be mailed to you. Contact the Office of the University Registrar's website at https://registrar.ucdavis.edu for additional information.
Where do I find information about commencement participation?
Please visit the Commencement website at http://commencement.ucdavis.edu.
Will I receive notification of my graduation status after I have filed for graduation?
Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office notifies only those candidates we cannot certify because degree requirements have not been met. If you receive this kind of notification, please contact Undergraduate Education and Advising in the Office of the Dean immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Majors & Minors

How do I change my major?
Submit a Change of Major petition online through OASIS. You must complete at least one quarter at UC Davis before you can initiate this change.
How do I choose a major?
Determine what you want to accomplish while you are here as an undergraduate. Explore relevant courses and research possible majors. Meet with an advisor in the department or program (professional staff) in which you are interested and/or make an appointment with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office.
How do I declare a minor?
Students pursuing a minor housed in the College of Letters and Science may declare that minor if they have a 2.00 or greater GPA in upper division College of Letters and Science courses offered in satisfaction of the minor. A minor is not certified until graduation when all degree requirements are completed. Students intending to pursue a minor submit the minor declaration through OASIS at the following link: Forms & Petitions .
My major is Undeclared. Why do I have a hold?
Undeclared students in the College of Letters and Science have mandatory advising. An advising hold is placed on your registration each year until you declare a major to remind you to see your appropriate academic advisor.
What is an Individual major?
Students who feel that no single major best suits their academic goal have the opportunity to develop an individual major. Interested students must propose a program, with the guidance of faculty advisors, that will be coherent with their specific educational goal. A faculty committee reviews individual major proposals. More information is available in the Individual Major Handbook online at Forms & Petitions.
How do I petition for a double/multiple major?
You must complete at least one quarter at UC Davis before you can initiate this change. You also must petition at least one quarter before you graduate, as students cannot change their major and graduate in the same term. Students must have also completed a substantial part of the preparatory subject matter in each major and must be able to complete both majors within the college unit cap of 225 units. Petitions for multiple majors require the endorsements of your major advisors and both Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office and the Dean's Office of the college housing your additional major if your majors are across more than one college.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minimum Progress

Can I petition for a waiver of minimum progress?
No, it is not possible to waive the minimum progress requirement.
Do courses completed over the Summer count toward minimum progress?
Yes, transferable course work completed with a passing grade during the summer at UC Davis or any other college will count toward minimum progress. The units completed during summer will be applied to the next full-time quarter of enrollment.
If I order an official transcript, will it indicate that I didn’t meet minimum progress?
Unless a student is actually dismissed from the University, the official transcript won't include a minimum progress notation.
What about Advanced Placement units, or units completed prior to matriculating to UC Davis?
AP units and units completed prior to a student’s first regular full-time quarter at UC Davis will not count toward minimum progress.
What can I do if I am on probation or subject to disqualification for minimum progress?
Students who are not meeting the minimum progress requirement should plan meet with an advisor to discuss their options.
What if I am a part-time student?
Students who apply and are officially approved for part-time status are exempted from the minimum progress calculation for the period of time that they maintain their part-time status.
What if I can't average 12 units per quarter?
Students who are unable to average 12 units per quarter because of medical reasons, work or family care obligations might be eligible for part-time student status. Otherwise, a student is expected to meet minimum progress. Specific information on what qualifies a student for part-time status can be found at: http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/registration/part-time.cfm/.
What is the minimum progress requirement?
To meet minimum progress, a full-time regular undergraduate student is required to maintain an average of at least 12 units passed over all quarters of enrollment. Only full-time quarters are considered. Detailed information on the minimum progress requirement can be found at http://registrar.ucdavis.edu/minprog/.
What should I do if I am dismissed?
The first and most important step for College of Letters and Science students following dismissal will be to arrange to see an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office. The academic advisor will assist in providing options for becoming eligible to continue at UC Davis, satisfaction of deficiencies in summer or at another institution, or completion of the undergraduate degree at another university. Students in the College of Letters and Science may arrange for an academic advisor appointment at: https://appointments.ucdavis.edu.
What will count toward my minimum progress total?
All credit-bearing courses completed with a passing grade at UC Davis are counted; Workload units (e.g., Math B or WLD 57) completed with a grade of "D" or better will count toward minimum progress, even though these courses will not yield units toward your degree; Repeated courses in which the first grade received was a D, D- or D+ are counted up to a maximum of 16 units; In-progress courses ("IP") will be counted as units passed. Incomplete units are counted in the quarter during which the course was originally taken once a permanent grade is assigned.
What will happen if I don't meet the minimum progress requirement?
If at the end of an academic quarter (Fall, Winter, or Spring) a student has passed less that an average of 12 units per quarter, they are considered to be on probation for quantitative reasons. If a student completes an average of less than 12 units during two consecutive quarters, they are considered to be subject to dismissal for quantitative reasons.
Can I be dismissed for lack of minimum progress even if my GPA is above 2.00?
Yes, students can be dismissed for either qualitative reasons (GPA) or quantitative reasons (too few units).
Will I still be able to graduate if I haven't met minimum progress?
A student who has officially filed to graduate and has met all degree requirements will be allowed to graduate even if he/she is subject to disqualification for minimum progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About Planning & Scheduling

How do I get a degree check?
An official degree check is automatically performed for students admitted as freshmen in their third year of enrollment (junior year) and for incoming transfer students during their first term of enrollment at UC Davis. Students can request an official degree check of their college and university requirements via the Undergraduate Education and Advising website: https://lettersandscience.ucdavis.edu/advising
I am a new transfer student, what courses should I enroll in for my first quarter?
Choose 2-3 courses for your major. Enroll in lower division preparatory courses which you have not yet completed. Your major advisor can assist you in choosing those courses. Work toward completing any College and University requirements you have not satisfied. Check the College of Letters and Science Advising website on First Quarter Scheduling for transfer students for additional information.
I am undeclared and need help scheduling my courses for next quarter.
Review available courses using the Course Search Tool at the following link: https://registrar.ucdavis.edu/courses/search/index.cfm. Check course descriptions and prerequisites. Choose courses that will help you explore a variety of subjects or will meet lower division requirements in an area of interest. Finally, make an appointment with an academic advisor in Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office for additional questions and assistance at the following link: https://appointments.ucdavis.edu.
What courses should I take my first quarter?
We strongly recommend that you take 12-15 units your first quarter. During the first enrollment pass (Pass I), you are allowed to enroll in up to 17 units. All students are held to this limit and enroll in additional courses and/or wait list in the second pass (Pass II). However, normal progress and to "Finish in Four" requires enrollment in at least 15 units per quarter. Check the "Register for Classes" website at https://registrar.ucdavis.edu/registration/register/index.cfm for more information on course registration.
What courses should I take next quarter to satisfy University, College & General Education requirements?
Please visit Degree Requirements to review graduation requirements.
What is Orientation?
Orientation is a valuable program designed to assist new students. All new students are expected to attend this program: http://orientation.ucdavis.edu.
Where do I go if I am undeclared with an Athletic Form to be completed and signed?
You must complete your academic plan or have an idea of courses you are planning to take for the academic year. Carefully plan quarters where you have practices and competition. Come to Undergraduate Education and Advising Dean's Office for review, discussion and signature no later than 3 days before the due date.
Where do I go if I have a declared major with an Athletic Form to be completed and signed?
If you have a declared major, you must contact your departmental major advisor for assistance with your Athletic Form.