Add, Drops & Withdrawal

Withdrawing from one or more (but not all) registered courses for the semester

A student may withdraw from a course up to 12 weeks (Fall and Spring semesters only, as Summer deadlines are generally the first day of classes for the session) after the first day of instruction and receive a grade of “W” (withdrawal) that has no grade point value. Withdrawals processed by the deadline date for course ADDS are treated as course DROPS. Withdrawals processed after the add/drop deadline are processed with the “W” grade. The last day to withdraw from a course shall not be later than 4 weeks prior to the end of the semester, including the final examination period. Students may complete the withdrawal process via the steps below. Please note that the listed deadlines (including on the Academic Calendar) for the completion of withdrawals to be issued with a refund of tuition and fees are not related to course withdrawals. A total withdrawal (removal of all classes) must be submitted for the applicable semester by the given deadline to generally be eligible to receive a refund of any portion of tuition and fees.

Fall 2024 Withdrawal deadline November 8.

A grade of 'W' is assigned when submitting a course withdrawal. Refunds are not issued for course withdrawals. If you would like to not be assessed charges for a registered course, please ensure the course is dropped by the add/drop deadline for the given semester.

Students may withdraw from a course by following the instructions found here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A course may not be reinstated after the course withdrawal has been processed. Moreover, mere absence from class does not constitute withdrawal. A properly executed course withdrawal action must be used to effectuate all course withdrawals. Students will receive a failing grade for courses in which they discontinue attendance without completing the appropriate course withdrawal process. Again, please note that the listed deadlines (including on the Academic Calendar) for the completion of withdrawals to be issued with a refund of tuition and fees are not related to course withdrawals. A total withdrawal must be submitted for the applicable semester by the given deadline to generally be eligible to receive a refund of tuition and fees.

Withdrawing from all registered courses for the semester

Students who are not in their first semester of enrollment at the University and find it necessary to withdraw from all of their classes for the current semester or for a subsequent semester for which they have registered should withdraw from all registered courses in BisonHub.

Effective for fall 2024 and beyond, students who wish to withdraw from all their courses but intend to return to the University should submit a leave of absence request in BisonHub. Students who wish with withdraw from all their courses and do not intend to return to the University should request an institutional withdrawal in BisonHub.

Withdrawal from all courses for the current semester and/or submission of an institutional withdrawal may result in the forfeiture of institutional and/or federal aid. Students should speak with the Office of Financial Aid and their Academic Advisor before submitting their institutional withdrawal request.

The institutional withdrawal must be submitted by the end of the 12th week of classes for the semester (fall/spring) in which students wish to withdraw. For summer sessions, this process must be submitted before final examinations have started. Please see the University Calendar for specific dates and deadlines for each semester.

Fall 2024 (100% refund) Deadline: September 6, 2024

Fall 2024 (50% refund) Deadline: September 23, 2024

Fall 2024 (25% refund) Deadline: October 25, 2024

Fall 2024 Final Deadline (No Refunds): November 8, 2024

A grade of 'W' is assigned for all registered courses for withdrawal requests submitted after the end of the add/drop period.

Note: Courses may not be reinstated after an institutional withdrawal has been processed.

Readmission after a Total Withdrawal

Students who began their studies at the University prior to Fall 2017 and have had a break in enrollment must complete the former student returning application process as outlined by the university or their school/college/program. Undergraduate Returning Students may view more detailed information via the highlighted link. All other students interested in regaining admission may consult with the admissions office of their school/college. Incoming new entrant students who withdraw during their first semester prior to the final enrollment census for that semester (generally in October for Fall entrants & March for Spring entrants - see the University Calendar) must submit a new application for admission-- you are not eligible to submit a returning student application. 

The Unofficial Withdrawal Policy assists the University in administering its Title IV federal financial aid program. Department of Education regulations require the return of disbursed federal financial aid received by students who do not attend and participate in courses for which they are not enrolled. The University must adjust the federal financial aid of all students who either never report or stop attending and participating within the first 60 percent of the semester.

In previous years, "UW" and "NR" grades reported as final grades did not affect a student's grade point average. But henceforth, students who never attend or stop attending without officially withdrawing will adversely affect their grade point averages through the failing grades they will earn at the end of the semester.

Students who find it necessary to drop/withdraw from a course must complete the official process by the required deadline. Please refer to the University Calendar for specific dates and deadlines.