If you need to take time away from your studies and do not plan to continue your enrollment at anytime within the next 12 months, you should formally withdraw from the university. Before doing so, consult with your instructors and academic advisor to discuss your options for completing the semester and understand the academic and financial implications of withdrawing. Review the information below before taking action.
Before you withdraw, consider these alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, you may have options that allow you to remain enrolled and continue making progress toward your degree.
Leave of Absence
If you need to take time away from your studies but plan to return within 12 months, a Leave of Absence may be a better option than withdrawing from the university. A Leave of Absence preserves your eligibility to return without reapplying for admission and may help reduce disruptions to your academic progress. Be sure to consult with your academic advisor and review any potential impacts on financial aid, housing, and other university services.
Pass-Fail Option
If you're concerned about your grade in a course, you may be eligible to change the course to the Pass-Fail grading option. This allows you to earn credit for the course without a letter grade affecting your GPA. You must consult with your academic advisor before submitting a Pass-Fail Contract, and eligibility restrictions apply.
The Pass-Fail Contract must be approved before the withdrawal deadline.
Incomplete Grade
If unexpected circumstances prevent you from finishing coursework by the end of the semester, you may be able to request an Incomplete (I) grade from your instructor. An Incomplete provides additional time to complete outstanding coursework rather than withdrawing from the course.
To be eligible, you must have completed at least 60% of the term and receive approval from your instructor. An Incomplete may affect financial aid eligibility and future registration if the course is a prerequisite for another class.
Complete the University Withdrawal/Leave Option Form.
If you withdraw during the drop period, your courses will be dropped, will not appear on your transcript, and will not affect your GPA.
If you withdraw after the drop period but before the withdrawal deadline at the end of the twelfth week of the semester (see the academic calendar for deadlines in shorter terms), your courses will receive a 'W' grade on your transcript, which does not affect your GPA.
After the withdrawal deadline, instructors will assign final grades for all courses.
Residential students must vacate your residence hall within 48 hours of submitting your withdrawal form.
Tuition Impact
You must withdraw by the refund deadline to receive a full or partial refund for tuition and fees.
Financial Aid Impact
A financial aid recalculation will be performed based on the number of days you attended in the semester.
You are responsible for any remaining balance due on your account after any adjustments are applied.
If called to active duty or other covered military service, you may be eligible for special withdrawal protections under federal law, including withdrawal without academic penalty. Refunds and financial aid adjustments are handled in accordance with federal requirements.
If called to military service, you should review the full Leave of Absence and University Withdrawal policies for complete details and submit official military orders with the University Withdrawal/Leave Option Form.
If you stop attending classes during the fall or spring semester without officially withdrawing, you will be administratively withdrawn at the end of the semester and assigned grades by your instructors. Financial aid adjustments will be based on either the midpoint of the semester or the last reported date of attendance, whichever is later. If you do not enroll in the following fall or spring semester, you will also be withdrawn from the university.
If you missed a university deadline due to extraordinary circumstances, you may still have options depending on the timing of your request and the action you are seeking.
Missed the Drop Deadline
If you intended to drop a course and have it removed from your transcript, but missed the drop deadline due to extraordinary circumstances, contact the Dean of the college or school offering the course to discuss your options.
Missed the Withdrawal Deadline
If you missed the withdrawal deadline but stopped attending before the end of the semester, you may be eligible for a Late Course Withdrawal. Students may request a Late Course Withdrawal from their instructor before final exam week during the fall and spring semesters, or by the last day of classes during winter and summer sessions.
If extraordinary circumstances prevented you from meeting both the withdrawal deadline and the Late Course Withdrawal deadline, contact the Dean of the college or school offering the course to discuss your options.
Missed the Tuition Refund Deadline
If extraordinary circumstances prevented you from withdrawing before the tuition refund deadline, you may be eligible to submit a Tuition and Fee Refund Appeal.