Classes taken on “refresher basis” are courses that a student has already taken and successfully passed or coursework transferred into UW-Madison (from another institution or from test credits such as Advanced Placement credit from high school.) Thus, a student may carry a course on a refresher basis if the student wishes to repeat a course for which they have previously earned college credit. This usually is done to improve a student’s foundation for advanced courses. The student must do all of the work in the course, attend regularly, participate in class discussions, and take all examinations. The refresher course counts as part of the regular credit load for the semester. In addition, the student earns a final grade that is included in computing the semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA). However, credits earned for a refresher course do not count as degree credits. See repeat of college courses not for credit under Courses and Enrollment for more detailed information.
The net result is that the refresher course in question will appear on the student’s transcript twice (or as many times as the student takes it). The second time the course is taken and passed, the credits will not be counted toward the student’s degree credits. It is important to note that both grades will be computed in the student’s University grade point average (the GPA that appears on the student’s transcript); however, the second grade (or grades) will not be used in calculating the L&S quality of work requirement (i.e., the minimum 2.000 GPA in all courses in the major, the minimum 2.000 GPA in advanced courses for the major, and the minimum 2.000 GPA in all intermediate/advanced level coursework taken at UW-Madison as an undergraduate student).
For more information, see retaking a course at UW-Madison .