What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing from a course?
Students may drop a course in MyNIU through Friday of the first week of classes in the semester. When the class is dropped, it does not appear on the student’s transcript. After the drop period, students may withdraw from courses up to the end of the first eight weeks of the semester; the course remains a part of the student’s record and will be recorded as a W on the student’s transcript. To withdraw from a course, students must contact their major college (undecided any college students see the Academic Advising Center).
Students may drop a course any time before the end of the fifth week of the semester without creating a permanent record of having been in the course. They can do so through Penn InTouch. After the fifth week of classes, and up to the end of the tenth week, students may, with the permission of the instructor, withdraw from a class. The grade point average will not be affected, but a W will appear on the transcript. One or two withdrawals during a college career are acceptable, but students should avoid a pattern. In any event, students should always consult with an advisor before dropping or withdrawing below 4 credit units, as this may affect athletic eligibility, financial aid or visa status for international students.
If a course is dropped before the end of the first week of classes, the course will not show on the student’s record. After the first week, students may withdraw from courses up to the Friday before final exams in all terms but Spring Term (3-week May term). Courses from which a student withdraws after the first week will show on transcripts with a grade of “W” (withdrawal).
The add/drop period is the time in which you may receive up to a 100% tuition refund, minus a $25 drop fee unless you simultaneously add another class. Usually, the add/drop period is assigned to the first week of class. Upon dropping a class, your academic transcript will not reflect the dropped class. After the close of the add/drop period, you must officially withdraw from a course with the approval of your academic advisor. A W will be assigned to your academic record indicating that you have withdrawn from the course. The timeliness of your withdrawal determines how much, if any, tuition refund you receive. PLEASE NOTE: A student who does not attend the first meeting of a class may be dropped from the course in order to make room for students waiting to enroll. Students should not assume, however, that they will be dropped from a course. Non-attendance drops will be processed at the instructors request. All students are responsible for their own enrollment; failure to properly add
• Dropping a course: If students drop courses, they are merely deciding they do not want to take the class. Students must drop by the end of the first week of classes using the online registration system. A dropped course has no permanent impact on a student’s record, and will not count against their completion rate. Check the registration website for official deadlines. • Withdrawal from individual full term classes: Withdrawal from individual full term classes means that the student plans to withdraw from one or some (but not ALL) courses, and receives a W on their transcript for the course(s). Withdrawing from course(s) does impact a student’s completion rate. Students may withdraw from individual courses before the official deadline (usually the twelfth week of the semester) using the online registration system. Students considering withdrawal should meet with an advisor before officially withdrawing to discuss how withdrawing could impact academic progress, and financial aid. • Wi
Related Questions
- I’m considering dropping a course after drop/add ends or withdrawing from the semester. How does that affect my aid this semester or in the future?
- How does withdrawing from a course affect my Quality Point Average and academic standing?
- What is the deadline for successfully withdrawing from a graduate level course?
