Course withdrawal deadlines for all parts of term are posted on the academic calendar.
Students are permitted to withdraw from a course without academic penalty using the form linked above until the mid-term date listed in the academic calendar. For fractional credit courses that meet for the first- or second-half of term students are permitted to withdraw without academic penalty prior to the appropriate date listed in the academic calendar. A course withdrawal will result in a "W" on the transcript. Students are cautioned to avoid a pattern of regularly accumulating W's on their academic record. Withdrawals after the deadline are not permitted unless there are extraordinary circumstances that merit an exception. In those cases, a petition must be submitted to the administrative dean and approved by the Committee on Standards and Academic Standing (CSAS).
- First-year students should be particularly cautious when considering withdrawing from a course as doing so will have implications for future course planning and academic load. First-year students must consult with the course instructor and their faculty adviser before initiating the withdrawal process.
- In the fall semester, first-year students must also receive approval from their administrative dean.
- Students may not withdraw from their FSEM. In rare and extreme circumstances, the Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs may grant an exception to this policy.
- Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors may withdraw from courses only after consultation with the course instructor and their faculty adviser(s). Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors are also encouraged to discuss the withdrawal with their administrative dean to ensure appropriate mentorship and support but are not required to obtain their permission.
- International students, in addition to consulting with the instructor and their faculty adviser(s), must receive approval from their administrative dean to withdraw from a course regardless of their class year because such decisions may affect visa eligibility.
- Students on academic warning, in addition to consulting with the instructor and their faculty adviser(s), must receive approval from their administrative dean to withdraw from a course regardless of their class year, and will only be approved for well-documented reasons.
- Student athletes must consult with the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services, in addition to their faculty adviser and course instructor, when considering whether to withdraw from a class, as this decision may impact their NCAA athletic eligibility.
- Students receiving financial aid are limited to a total of 8 semesters of aid and should carefully consider how a withdrawal will impact their ability to complete their coursework within 8 semesters.