Change of Class Schedule: Policy 2.13
Changes in schedule that involve either adding or dropping a course or changing to another course must be made through the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education. Such changes will not be made without the permission of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students will not be allowed to enroll in a course after the first week of a semester or after the beginning of the second class of a regular summer term unless special permission is granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies.
A course that is dropped officially before the third week of the semester or before the end of the first week of a summer term will not be entered on the student’s permanent record. After that time and up to the official drop date of the semester or term, if a student drops a course, a W will appear on the student’s permanent record. However, a grade of F is given when one simply drops out of a course without officially following the procedure for dropping it.
A grade of F is given for any course that is dropped after the official drop date for the semester or term. In rare circumstances, the Dean of Graduate Studies may allow a student to drop a course after the official drop date and receive a grade of W instead of F. However, the following conditions must be met: there are extenuating circumstances (beyond the student’s control); the student must be passing the course(s); and the student has attended class regularly and has demonstrated general good faith toward completing the requirements of the course. When an exception arises, the judgment of the student’s advisor and Dean of Graduate Studies will be considered, but the final decision must be approved by the Provost. Withdrawal after the official drop date is not allowed simply to avoid a low grade; in no case will a W grade be given unless the student has a passing average at the time of withdrawal. For any change of schedule that is not originated by a faculty member or University administrative official, the student will be assessed a fee.
Deadlines for Change of Schedule
The first week of the semester is the calendar week in which registration BEGINS.
Regular Semester
• Week 1--Both adding and dropping courses permitted
• Weeks 1-3--Courses may be dropped without appearing on student’s permanent record.
• 4th Week to Official Drop Date--Dropping courses permitted; grade of W will appear on student’s permanent record.
• After Official Drop Date--Dropping courses not permitted; grade of F for courses not completed.
Without following the official withdrawal procedure, a student will receive an automatic grade of F in the course.