Drop, Withdraw, & Change Grade Method
After registering for classes, you might find yourself wanting to make changes to your class schedule.
You can also make changes to your courses and grading methods during the semester.
However, consider these important factors before you do anything:
- Dropping and withdrawing from a class are different, and therefore have different impacts on your transcript, academic standing, and tuition bill
- If you decide to change your grade method for a full-term course, your change must be completed before the “Last day to change grade method on full term courses” deadline
- Changing your course schedule or grade methods may set you back in your degree program
- If you receive financial aid, changing your schedule or grading methods may affect your aid package
No matter what change you are making, it is important to talk to an advisor to see how it affects your transcript, academic standing, financial aid, and major completion rate.
Dropping a Class
A course that is dropped does not show up on your transcript. You will not be charged for a course that is dropped within the deadline. You can always drop a class before it starts, and you may have additional days to drop depending upon the length of the class.
Drop Deadlines
The specific drop dates are listed in the course details for each class section in Student eServices. Simply click on the name of the class to access this information and scroll to the section on “Add/Drop/Withdraw.”
See the WSU Catalog for academic policies related to dropping and withdrawing from classes.
Withdrawing from a Class
When you withdraw from a class, the class will be listed on your transcript with a grade letter of “W”. Withdrawing will also reduce your completion rate, an important part of your academic standing.
Make sure to speak with an academic advisor and refer to the course withdrawal checklist to help you understand the possible consequences of withdrawing from a class.
Withdrawing from all classes may require some repayment of financial aid. Speak to a financial aid counselor to discuss your specific situation before making your decision.
Withdraw Deadlines
After the deadline to drop has passed, you may still be able to withdraw from a class. The deadline to withdraw varies depending on the length of the course.
The specific dates are listed in the course details for each individual class section in Student eServices. Simply click on the name of the class to access this information and scroll to the section on “Add/Drop/Withdraw.”
See the WSU Catalog for the detailed academic policies related to dropping and withdrawing from classes.
Withdraw Checklist
Thinking about withdrawing from a class? There may be a better option.
If you feel that you can still pass the class, this may be the best option. Talk to your professor to help assess your progress in the class and the likelihood of you passing.
Tutoring offered by the department or by Tutoring Services can help you persevere in a challenging class. Take advantage of Supplemental Instruction if available for your class.
You might still have time to use these resources to improve your grade.
Withdrawing from a class will negatively affect your credit completion rate, which could impact your academic status. To remain in good academic standing, students must pass 66.66% of all credits attempted.
If you are receiving financial aid, you must also maintain a credit completion rate of 66.66% or better.
If you are a student athlete, talk to your coach about whether or not withdrawing from a class will affect your eligibility to participate in athletics.
If this class is required for your major or minor, you will likely have to repeat the class if you withdraw. Some academic programs have specific requirements about how often courses can be repeated.
One advantage of dropping a class and receiving a “W” grade is that your GPA will not be negatively affected.
If you do withdraw from the class and know that you will need to repeat it, consider asking the instructor if you can continue to sit in on the class. This will allow you to cover the material a second time when you repeat the course.
There may be other individual circumstances that you should consider, so speak to your academic advisor about your decision to drop a class.
If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to meet with an academic advisor in the Warrior Success Center.
Other helpful campus resources include:
- Financial Aid for questions about your financial aid award and eligibility
- Tutoring Services for help understanding course topics and concepts
- Counseling Services for support with personal or mental health issues that might be affecting your academic success
Some courses offer students the ability to select an alternate grading option for the class. Typically, you must earn letter grades in required classes for your major, even if other grading options are available.
For general education classes and electives not required for your major, you may be able to choose a different grading method. See the course details in Student eServices to determine the grading options available.
If you decide to change your grade method for a full-term course, your change must be completed before the “Last day to change grade method on full term courses” deadline listed in the academic calendar for the term. Learn more about the policy on changing grade methods.
Grading Methods
This is the grading method used most often.
Letter grades affect both your GPA and completion rate, important components of your academic status.
Courses taken pass (P) / no-credit (NC) do not affect your GPA because a letter grade is not assigned.
However, these courses will impact your completion rate.
Students seeking an undergraduate degree typically do not audit courses.
Audited courses cannot be used to satisfy graduation, enrollment, certification, or licensure requirements.
Financial aid awards do not cover audited classes, so choosing this option could decrease your aid package.
Speak with a financial aid counselor at the Warrior Hub before making this change.