Yes, UCLA acknowledges grades of D (C− through D−) for unit credit, but with significant implications for a student's academic standing and eligibility. While these grades technically yield unit credit, their impact on a student's overall academic record at any University of California (UC) campus requires careful consideration.
Understanding D Grades at UCLA
When a student earns a grade in the D range (C− through D−) at UCLA or any other UC campus, it's crucial to understand how these grades function within the university's academic policies. These grades are not simply disregarded; rather, they come with specific conditions and potential consequences.
Implications of Earning a D Grade
The acceptance of D grades for unit credit comes with several important stipulations that can affect a student's progress and eligibility for certain academic distinctions or requirements:
- Unit Credit: Grades of C− through D− do yield unit credit. This means that the units associated with the course are added to a student's total accumulated units.
- Scholarship Requirements: While unit credit is granted, D-level grades may not satisfy certain scholarship requirements. Students aiming for or maintaining scholarships should be aware that these grades could impact their eligibility.
- Offsetting Grades: For D grades to effectively contribute to a student's academic standing, they must be counterbalanced by higher performance. Specifically, these grades need to be offset by grades of C+ or better in other courses. This mechanism ensures that a student's overall academic performance remains satisfactory despite individual lower grades.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: All students attending any UC campus, including UCLA, are required to earn at least a 2.0 (C) grade-point average (GPA) in all courses taken. A D grade significantly lowers a student's GPA, making it challenging to meet this minimum requirement without strong performance in other courses.
The table below summarizes the key implications of receiving a D grade:
| Aspect | Implication of D Grade (C− through D−) |
|---|---|
| Unit Credit | Yields unit credit for the course. |
| Scholarship Impact | May not satisfy certain scholarship requirements. |
| GPA Contribution | Lowers overall GPA; must be offset by grades of C+ or better in other courses to maintain academic standing. |
| Overall Requirement | Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 (C) GPA in all courses taken at any UC campus to remain in good academic standing. |
Students should strive for grades of C or better to ensure smooth academic progress and eligibility for various programs, scholarships, and graduation requirements. While a D grade technically provides units, its negative impact on GPA and potential restrictions on scholarships underscore the importance of consistent academic performance.
