Add-Drop & Withdrawal Deadlines

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Add-Drop & Withdrawal Deadlines

Managing Your Academic Enrollment at TUOS

At The University of Ontological Science, we recognize that thoughtful course selection is an integral part of your educational journey. Sometimes, however, circumstances necessitate changes to your academic schedule. The add/drop and withdrawal processes provide flexibility while maintaining academic integrity and ensuring you can make informed decisions about your course enrollment. Understanding these deadlines and procedures is essential for successfully navigating your academic path at TUOS.

Key Dates for the Current Academic Year

Fall Semester 2023

Action Deadline Transcript Notation Financial Impact
Add/Drop Period September 8, 2023 No record on transcript 100% tuition refund
Late Add Period (with permission) September 15, 2023 Course appears on transcript 100% financial responsibility
Withdrawal Period November 10, 2023 “W” grade appears on transcript 100% financial responsibility
Late Withdrawal Period (with approval) December 8, 2023 “WP” or “WF” grade on transcript 100% financial responsibility

Spring Semester 2024

Action Deadline Transcript Notation Financial Impact
Add/Drop Period February 2, 2024 No record on transcript 100% tuition refund
Late Add Period (with permission) February 9, 2024 Course appears on transcript 100% financial responsibility
Withdrawal Period April 5, 2024 “W” grade appears on transcript 100% financial responsibility
Late Withdrawal Period (with approval) May 3, 2024 “WP” or “WF” grade on transcript 100% financial responsibility

Summer Sessions 2024

Session Add/Drop Deadline Withdrawal Deadline Late Withdrawal Deadline
Early Summer (6-week) May 17, 2024 June 7, 2024 June 14, 2024
Late Summer (6-week) July 3, 2024 July 24, 2024 July 31, 2024
Full Summer (12-week) May 17, 2024 June 28, 2024 July 12, 2024

For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the Official Academic Calendar.

Understanding Enrollment Actions

Add/Drop Period

During the Add/Drop period (typically the first week of classes), you may:

  • Add new courses to your schedule
  • Drop courses without financial or academic penalty
  • Adjust your schedule freely through the Student Portal
  • Change section times or course modalities

Important Notes:

  • No record of dropped courses will appear on your transcript
  • Full tuition refund is provided for dropped courses
  • Some courses have earlier add deadlines due to accelerated formats
  • Adding a course after the first class meeting requires instructor approval

Late Add Period

The Late Add period (typically the second week of classes) allows you to:

  • Add courses with instructor permission
  • Complete the Late Add Request Form with instructor signature
  • Submit completed form to the Registrar’s Office
  • Begin making up any missed work immediately

Important Notes:

  • Adding a course during this period requires a compelling reason
  • You are responsible for all missed content and assignments
  • Full tuition charges apply
  • Course will appear on your transcript regardless of outcome

Withdrawal Period

The Withdrawal period extends from the end of the Add/Drop period until approximately the 10th week of the semester. During this time:

  • You may withdraw from individual courses through the Student Portal
  • A grade of “W” will appear on your transcript
  • You remain financially responsible for the full cost of the course
  • The “W” grade does not impact your GPA

Important Notes:

  • “W” grades may affect satisfactory academic progress for financial aid
  • International students must maintain full-time status (12+ credits)
  • Some scholarships require maintaining a specific credit load
  • Always consult with academic and financial aid advisors before withdrawing

Late Withdrawal Period

The Late Withdrawal period extends from the regular withdrawal deadline until near the end of the term. During this period:

  • Withdrawals require approval via the Late Withdrawal Petition
  • Documentation of extenuating circumstances is required
  • If approved, “WP” (Withdraw Passing) or “WF” (Withdraw Failing) grades are assigned
  • “WP” grades do not affect GPA; “WF” grades are calculated as an “F”

Valid reasons for late withdrawal may include:

  • Documented medical emergency
  • Family crisis
  • Military deployment
  • Other significant life event beyond your control

How to Add, Drop, or Withdraw from Courses

Add/Drop Process

Through the Student Portal (Recommended)

  1. Log in to the TUOS Student Portal
  2. Navigate to “Registration”
  3. Select “Add/Drop Classes”
  4. Choose the appropriate term
  5. Add courses using the Course Reference Number (CRN) or search function
  6. Drop courses by selecting “Drop” from the action menu
  7. Review changes and submit

In Person

  1. Obtain an Add/Drop Form from the Registrar’s Office or website
  2. Complete the form with your information and course details
  3. Obtain necessary signatures (advisor and/or instructor)
  4. Submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office before the deadline
  5. Retain your confirmation receipt

Withdrawal Process

Through the Student Portal (Until Withdrawal Deadline)

  1. Log in to the TUOS Student Portal
  2. Navigate to “Registration”
  3. Select “Withdraw from a Class”
  4. Choose the course(s) from which you wish to withdraw
  5. Acknowledge the financial and academic implications
  6. Submit your withdrawal request

Late Withdrawal Process (After Withdrawal Deadline)

  1. Download the Late Withdrawal Petition Form
  2. Complete the form, including detailed explanation of extenuating circumstances
  3. Attach supporting documentation (medical records, obituaries, deployment orders, etc.)
  4. Obtain signatures from your instructor and academic advisor
  5. Submit the complete petition package to the Academic Standards Committee
  6. Check your university email for the committee’s decision (typically within 5-7 business days)

Special Enrollment Situations

Complete Withdrawal from All Courses

If you need to withdraw from all courses in a term:

  1. Begin the process through the Dean of Students Office rather than the Student Portal
  2. Complete the Term Withdrawal Form
  3. Meet with representatives from:
    • Academic Advising
    • Financial Aid
    • Student Accounts
    • Housing (if applicable)
  4. Exit interview with Dean of Students representative
  5. Receive confirmation of complete withdrawal

Important Notes:

  • Different refund percentages may apply based on withdrawal date
  • Financial aid may be recalculated based on federal Return to Title IV regulations
  • A dean’s hold will be placed on your account until you are readmitted

Medical Withdrawal

For health-related withdrawals:

  1. Contact the Student Health Services or Counseling Center
  2. Complete the Medical Withdrawal Request Form
  3. Provide documentation from healthcare provider
  4. Medical Withdrawal Committee reviews request
  5. If approved, courses are marked with “WM” (Medical Withdrawal)

Benefits of Medical Withdrawal:

  • “WM” grades do not impact GPA
  • May be eligible for partial tuition refund depending on timing
  • Documentation for future academic reinstatement

Military Withdrawal

For students called to active military duty:

  1. Submit Military Withdrawal Form
  2. Provide copy of official military orders
  3. Choose between:
    • Complete withdrawal with full refund
    • Incomplete grades with extended completion time
    • Early completion options where possible

Student Rights Under Military Withdrawal:

  • 100% tuition and fee refund
  • Non-punitive withdrawals that don’t affect GPA
  • Guaranteed readmission upon return from service

Impact on Academic Standing and Financial Aid

Academic Impacts

  • Course Completion Rate: Withdrawals count as attempted but not completed credits, affecting your completion percentage
  • GPA: Standard “W” grades do not affect GPA, but “WF” grades are calculated as an “F” (0.0)
  • Academic Standing: Excessive withdrawals may trigger academic warning even with good GPA
  • Prerequisites: Withdrawn courses do not satisfy prerequisites for advanced courses
  • Repeated Withdrawals: Three withdrawals from the same course may require department chair approval for fourth attempt

Financial Aid Considerations

  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): Withdrawals count against your required completion rate
  • Return of Title IV Funds: Complete withdrawals before 60% of term may require return of financial aid
  • Scholarship Requirements: Many scholarships require completing a minimum number of credits
  • Tuition Refunds: Withdrawals after the add/drop period generally do not qualify for tuition refunds
  • Future Aid Eligibility: Excessive withdrawals may affect future financial aid eligibility

Schedule a Financial Aid Consultation

Considerations Before Changing Your Schedule

Before Adding a Course

  • Confirm you meet all prerequisites
  • Ensure you can manage the additional workload
  • Check for time conflicts with existing commitments
  • Verify space availability in the course
  • Consider how much content you’ve already missed

Before Dropping or Withdrawing

  • Consult with the course instructor about your current standing
  • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss degree progress impacts
  • Check with Financial Aid regarding any funding implications
  • Consider using academic support resources instead of withdrawing
  • Explore the possibility of an incomplete grade if near term’s end

Alternative Options to Withdrawal

  • Academic Support Services: Tutoring, writing assistance, study groups
  • Reduced Course Load: Permission to temporarily drop below full-time with aid protection
  • Incomplete Grade: Extension to complete coursework (if 70%+ already completed successfully)
  • Pass/Fail Option: Converting to P/F grading before the deadline (for eligible courses)
  • Academic Coaching: Personalized support for study skills and time management

Explore Academic Support Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I add a course late, will I be penalized for missed assignments?
A: This depends on the instructor’s policy. Many faculty members work with students to establish reasonable make-up schedules, but you are responsible for all course content regardless of when you add the class. Always communicate promptly with your instructor.

Q: How many courses can I withdraw from during my time at TUOS?
A: While there is no absolute limit, withdrawing from more than two courses per semester or more than six courses during your undergraduate career may trigger additional advising requirements and could impact academic standing.

Q: Will withdrawing from a course affect my financial aid for the current semester?
A: If you maintain at least half-time enrollment (6+ credits for undergraduates, 4.5+ for graduates), withdrawing from a single course typically won’t affect current semester aid. However, it may impact future aid eligibility if it lowers your completion rate below SAP requirements.

Q: Can I add or drop a course after the deadline if I have extenuating circumstances?
A: Yes, the Late Add and Late Withdrawal processes exist for this purpose. You’ll need to submit the appropriate petition form with documentation of your extenuating circumstances for committee review.

Q: If I withdraw from a course, will I receive a tuition refund?
A: No refund is provided for course withdrawals after the add/drop period. You remain financially responsible for the full cost of the course. Refunds are only available for courses dropped during the add/drop period.

Q: How do I know if withdrawing is the right decision?
A: Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your specific situation. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of withdrawing versus continuing and connect you with appropriate resources.

Contact Information

Office of the Registrar
Academic Building, Room 203
registrar@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4567

Academic Advising Center
Wisdom Hall, Room 105
advising@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4569

Financial Aid Office
Admin Building, Room 120
financialaid@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4570

Dean of Students Office
Student Center, Room 202
deanofstudents@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4590

Resources

At TUOS, we understand that academic journeys rarely follow a straight line. Our add/drop and withdrawal policies are designed to provide flexibility while maintaining academic integrity. We encourage you to make thoughtful decisions about your course enrollment and to seek guidance from university resources when navigating changes to your academic schedule. Remember that each enrollment decision may have both immediate and long-term implications for your academic progress, financial aid, and degree completion.