Credit (CR) option information

*Note: The CR Option is no longer in effect. The information below is for historical purposes only.

Due to the academic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, from Spring 2020 until Winter 2022, Laurier’s Senate Executive Committee approved a process that enabled the conversion of up to 0.5 credits per term to a CR (credit). 

Here's what you need to know about this former option:

• The option was in effect from Spring 2020 to Winter 2022. 
• The credit (CR) option granted 0.5 CR per term.
• The CR option held a maximum limit of 1.0 CR from winter 2021 to the end of the disruption for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
  There was no option for converting a grade to WD.
• The form could only be submitted once, and once submitted the decision is final and could not be reversed.
• The grade of CR is not included in a student’s grade point average (GPA). 

Formerly, this option could be chosen for a course where you had earned a passing grade. Any course in which there was a finding of academic misconduct would not be eligible for the conversion to CR.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is CR?

CR means credit. The grade of CR is not included in a student’s grade point average (GPA).

What is the difference between CR and a letter grade? 

The main difference is how either affects a student’s GPA. A letter grade is included in the student’s GPA(s). A CR is not included in the student’s overall or major GPA(s).

Is the CR Option still in effect?

No. The CR Option is not available for Spring 2022. The introduction of a maximum number of CR credits that can be converted from a letter grade addresses reputational and academic risk in terms of the quality and value of the degrees earned by students.

How do I calculate my GPA with a CR?

Students are able to view their official GPA once available on LORIS, and may also use the GPA calculator. Be advised, CR grades are always excluded from the GPA calculation.

If I requested CR for a course, will the letter grade be kept on file?

The original letter grade will remain accessible to the University for internal purposes only. The letter grade will not appear on the transcript.

Students will still be required to meet the minimum prerequisite grades for future courses, regardless of whether the grade has been replaced by the alternative notation CR. 

Can a CR request be reversed? 

The form can be submitted only once and represents a final decision that cannot be reversed.

If you require a change after submission, you need to file an academic petition through your home faculty.

I missed the deadline for the CR option; what do I do?

If you missed the deadline, you need to file an academic petition through your home faculty.

How did students decide whether to request CR instead of a letter grade?

Opting for a CR instead of a letter grade could impact graduation applications, scholarships, co-op, registration for courses with a minimum prerequisite grade, and admissions to graduate programs, CPA stream and other postgraduate programs or professional designations.

Students who were considering or planning a career as a Chartered Professional Accountant COULD NOT CR any courses in Winter 2022 that are required for the CPA designation.

How do I calculate my GPA if I have CR or WD grades?

• CR and WD grades are excluded from the GPA calculation. Your official GPA is available on LORIS, but you can also use the GPA calculator to determine how your current grades will affect your cumulative GPA.

Will I be able to convert future grades to CR?

No. The CR Option is no longer available. The introduction of a maximum number of CR credits that can be converted from a letter grade addresses reputational and academic risk in terms of the quality and value of the degrees earned by students.