Any course that you have previously completed, regardless of the grade you received the first time, is considered a repeat. You elect a repeat through Wolverine Access, just like any other new course election.

In general, you can not receive credit for the same course twice, unless the content of the course changes from term to term and the course listing specifically says: "May be repeated for credit with permission." Thus if you repeat a course that you have previously completed with a grade of 'D-' or above, then the second election won't count as hours earned toward graduation.

If you want to repeat a course that you have failed, or you just want to repeat to improve your grade, you should know that the original grade remains on your transcript and does not get revised or averaged. The new grade appears as a separate entry under the new term of election. If your original grade was any sort of D, then the new grade will be averaged into your GPA just like any other grade even though the election does not earn hours toward graduation. The course will be marked REP for "Repetition." If your original grade was a 'C-' or above, then the new grade will be visible but will NOT count into your GPA. This election will be marked NFC for "Not for Credit."

Common Questions about Repeating Courses:

I got a 'D' in Chemistry. My friend says that if I re-take it and get a 'B' my grades will be averaged to a 'C'. Is this true?
Only in the sense of your cumulative GPA. But old grades never change. The 'D' will still be on your transcript, and still continue to bring down that term's GPA. In other words, you'd do better to simply take, say, a Linguistics course the second time around and get a 'B' in that. The two grades will still average to a 'C', and you'll actually earn credit for the Linguistics course.

I failed Calculus. Should I repeat it to improve my GPA?
Again, nothing will take that 'E' off your record. So there is no reason to repeat a failed course unless you really want to learn that material, or you need it as a prerequisite to later elections or to meet a specific program requirement. If you've decided to be a History concentrator you may safely forget about the Calculus altogether, and let your History courses raise your GPA.

Note: This information is intended as a rough guide only. For more details, special cases or unusual circumstances, consult an academic advisor or the LSA Bulletin.