Brigham Young University implemented a new course repeat policy, effective Winter 2026, that counts only a student’s most recent attempt toward their grade point average (GPA) and credits.
Under the previous policy, all course attempts were averaged into GPA and credit calculations. Beginning this semester, only the most recent attempt will be included if a course is repeated.
BYU media relations manager Todd Hollingshead said the university discontinued a similar policy in 2011. Since that change 14 years ago, Enrollment Services has been observing shifts in student behavior.
“Enrollment Services has observed meaningful shifts in students' behavior — including a notable rise in petitions to retroactively withdraw from failed courses — which promoted renewed discussion about reinstating the earlier policy,” Hollingshead stated.
Hollingshead also noted that these observations align with the university’s emphasis on student success, as well as data indicating the benefits of students remaining in courses and working with their instructors rather than withdrawing.
Sara Christofferson, a junior majoring in microbiology, said she supports the policy change based on her experience as a predental student.
“If this policy had been in place earlier, I think this would have given me more comfort and security that if I perform poorly in a difficult class, I can get a second chance,” Christofferson said.
However, Christofferson said the added flexibility could also have drawbacks.
“It might do more harm than good by extending graduation multiple semesters just to make a negligible change to their GPA,” Christofferson said. “In my case, I could have been hyper-focused on retaking a couple of classes that I got a B in, rather than using that time in more significant ways.”
Halle Berg, a junior studying nursing, expressed similar concerns.
“As someone who has worked hard to maintain a 4.0 throughout my time at BYU, it is frustrating to see a policy change that could significantly impact BYU students’ academic records going forward,” Berg said.
While Enrollment Services said the policy is intended to foster a more supportive learning environment, limits remain in place to help students progress toward graduation on time.
Courses may be taken no more than three times, regardless of when the attempts occurred or whether a student withdrew from the course.
For more information about the new course repeat policy, visit its website here.