Extra Graded and Extra Half Credit Courses (fka Fifth Course)

Designate

An extra graded course may be designated during drop/add only—not all courses qualify—be sure to check the catalog.

Extra half credit courses (Dance, Music, Theatre) do not need to be designated by a student, the Registrar’s Office manages enrollment.

• How to Designate

  During drop/add, to designate a course as extra graded login to Williams Student Records:

  Main Menu > Self Service > Enrollment > Edit a Class

  If eligible, you can change the grading drop-down option to: Extra Graded

  If completed, the extra graded course will:

  • remain on your record as A-E graded
  • be included in your GPA
  • count toward major, concentration, or distribution requirements
  • not count toward the 32 courses required for graduation (unless taken to make up a deficiency)

Drop

An extra graded and extra half credit course can be dropped up to the sixth week of the semester—check the academic calendar for the deadline.

• How to Drop

  To drop an extra graded or extra half credit course login to Williams Student Records:

  Student Records tile > Self-Service Forms tile > Drop Extra Graded and Extra Half Credit Course form

  You will only be able to submit a form for courses that are eligible to drop. Once the form is submitted the Registrar's Office will process the request within 2 business days.

Exceptions

There may be exceptions to the extra course you are currently enrolled in—check to see if any of the below apply.

• Deficiency

  If you are taking an extra graded course to make up a deficiency, and you are considering dropping the course, you should schedule an appointment with a Dean to discuss options.

  If you have exhausted all other options to make up your deficiency, schedule an appointment with a Dean, and then if appropriate, petition the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS).

  If you are currently registered for an extra graded course to make up a deficiency, it will read as Extra Graded on your schedule.

  When completed, the extra graded course will:

  • be changed on your record to A-E graded, unless you opt to change grading to pass/fail (if eligible)
  • be included in your GPA
  • count toward major, concentration, or distribution requirements
  • count toward the 32 courses required for graduation

• Dance (half credit)

  If you are currently registered for a half credit Dance course, it will read as P/F No Credit on your schedule.

  If completed, the extra half credit course will:

  • remain on your record as pass/fail
  • not be included in your GPA, except in the case of failure
  • not count toward the 3 allowed pass/fail courses
  • not count toward distribution requirements
  • not count toward the 32 courses required for graduation

• Music (half credit)

  If you are currently registered for a half credit Music course, it will read as Extra Graded or as P/F No Credit on your schedule.

  To drop a half credit lesson or chamber course please contact Amy Wood in the Music department for permission. Once permission is confirmed, the Registrar's Office will process the drop.

  If completed, the extra half credit course can count toward the Music major.

  If the half credit course in Music is taken on a graded basis it will:

  • remain on your record as A-E graded, unless you opt to change grading to pass/fail
  • be included in your GPA if A-E graded
  • not be included in your GPA if taken pass/fail, except in the case of failure
  • not count toward the 3 allowed pass/fail courses
  • not count toward distribution requirements
  • not count toward the 32 courses required for graduation

  If the half credit course in Music is taken pass/fail it will:

  • remain on your record as pass/fail
  • not be included in your GPA, except in the case of failure
  • not count toward the 3 allowed pass/fail courses
  • not count toward distribution requirements
  • not count toward the 32 courses required for graduation

• Theatre (half credit)

  If you are currently registered for a half credit Theatre course, it will read as P/F No Credit on your schedule.

  If completed, the extra half credit course can count toward the Theatre major, and will:

  • remain on your record as pass/fail
  • not be included in your GPA, except in the case of failure
  • not count toward the 3 allowed pass/fail courses
  • not count toward distribution requirements
  • not count toward the 32 courses required for graduation

Read the Extra Graded Course Option (fka Fifth Course Option) policy in the catalog for complete details.