Change of Schedule (Drop/Add)

Op3.04-10 Add/Drop and Withdrawal Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes the requirements, deadlines, and procedures governing the addition and removal of classes from a student’s academic schedule, including section changes, class withdrawals, and withdrawal from the University.  Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all published deadlines, academic regulations, and financial obligations associated with enrollment changes.

2. Adding Classes

Students may add classes during designated registration periods prior to the beginning of the semester and during the Change of Schedule Period.

Classes that have not yet begun, including second-block classes, internships, directed studies, independent studies, and similar offerings may be added after the Change of Schedule Period, subject to applicable deadlines and academic unit approval.

3. Dropping Classes

A student may drop a class during the Change of Schedule Period. Classes dropped during this period will not appear on the student’s academic transcript.

Following the Change of Schedule Period, students may withdraw from an individual class through the published withdrawal deadline.   A grade of “W” will be recorded on the transcript for approved withdrawals. A “W” grade indicates withdrawal from the class without academic penalty and is not included in grade point average calculations.

Students may not withdraw from a class after the published withdrawal deadline except through an approved exception.

For classes offered in nonstandard terms, including short classes and block classes, applicable add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines are published on the University’s Academic Calendar.

Students considering withdrawal from a class involving an allegation  of who plan to drop a class in which academic dishonesty should consult the University’s has alleged to have occurred should first refer to the Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures before submitting a withdrawal request.

Students with registration holds may request class drops using the approved University process. Registration holds do not prevent students from requesting a class drop or withdrawal in accordance with University procedures.

4. Section Changes

Students may change from one section of a course to another section of the same course, subject to availability and applicable registration deadlines.

As provided in the University’s Fee Schedule, students who drop one section and add another section of the same course within the same part of term during a single transaction may receive an even exchange of fees.

Fee exchanges do not apply when:

• The sections are offered in different parts of term;
• A student drops and adds special topics courses with different course topics; or
• Other circumstances identified in the University’s Fee Schedule

5. Withdrawal from the University

Dropping all classes for a term constitutes withdrawal from the University.

Failure to attend classes or notify instructors does not constitute an official withdrawal.

The effective date of withdrawal is the date the withdrawal request is received and processed by the University.

6. Financial Aid and Tuition Implications

Changes in enrollment may affect:

• Tuition and fee assessments;
• Financial aid eligibility;
• Scholarships;
• Veteran and military educational benefits;
• Athletic eligibility;
• Academic progress requirements; and
• Other student benefits or obligations.

Students are encouraged to consult the appropriate University offices before dropping or withdrawing from classes.

Refund eligibility is determined according to the University’s published refund schedule and applicable fee policies.

7. Administrative Drops

The University reserves the right to administratively remove students from classes under circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Failure to satisfy prerequisite or corequisite requirements;
• Enrollment in error;
• Failure to obtain required permissions or approvals; or
• Other circumstances permitted by University policy.

8. Appeals and Exceptions

Requests to withdraw from a class after the published withdrawal deadline are considered only under extraordinary circumstances.

Exceptions may be approved when a student experiences an overwhelming, unforeseen circumstance that significantly interferes with the student’s ability to meet the academic obligations or prevents the student from completing the withdrawal process by the published deadline.

Examples may include:

• Serious personal medical conditions;
• Catastrophic personal loss;
• Significant family emergencies;
• or Other documented circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Approval of an exception is not guaranteed and requires supporting documentation as determined by the University.

9. Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to complete all classes for which they register.

Student are solely responsible for monitoring their enrollment status and ensuring that all add, drop, and withdrawal transactions are properly completed and reflected in the University’s registration system.

Non-attendance does not constitute an official drop, withdrawal, or cancellation of enrollment. Failure to properly withdraw from a course may result in:

• Assignment of a failing grade;
• Continued financial obligations for tuition and fees; and
• Other academic or administrative consequences.

10. Registration Deadline Compliance

Students are responsible for complying with all published add, drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines.

Requests submitted after established deadlines may require additional approvals and may be denied. Failure to act by published deadlines may result in loss of refund eligibility, transcript implications, financial liability, or inability to modify a student’s academic schedule.