FAQ » FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between dropping a class and withdrawing from it?
Students may drop any or all classes during the Drop/Add period each semester. Dropping a class removes it from the student’s transcript and may allow for a tuition refund. After the Drop/Add period, students can only withdraw from classes, which will result in a grade of WP (“withdrew passing”) or WF (“withdrew failing”) on the student’s transcript. The university does not allow refunds for partial withdrawals.
How can I get an absence excused?
There is not a University-wide policy for excusing absences. The University allows each individual instructor control over his or her own classroom attendance policy. Students must work with their instructors regarding routine absences, no matter what the reason is for the absence, and only the instructor can decide if the absence will be excused. Student Support Services will inform faculty when a verified crisis may affect a student’s class attendance for an extended period of time. Students are advised of their responsibility to discuss absences and make-up options with each individual instructor.
How can I withdraw?
Students can withdraw themselves through the OASIS system at any time before the withdrawal deadline by selecting the "Withdrawal Processing" option on the main OASIS webpage. Students appealing for a hardship withdrawal should contact the Office of Student Support Services BEFORE withdrawing via OASIS.
How many times can I withdraw?
As of the Fall 2008 semester, all undergraduate students are allowed four non-hardship WP grades during their college careers. Any non-hardship withdrawal beyond those four automatically will result in a grade of WF. More information about the withdrawal policy can be found here.
When is the withdrawal deadline?
The withdrawal deadline for each semester can be found on the Academic Calendar. The withdrawal deadline is the last date that students can withdraw themselves from individual classes on OASIS. Students with hardship circumstances should contact the Office of Student Support Services to appeal for a hardship withdrawal from all of their classes after the deadline.
What is a hardship withdrawal?
A hardship withdrawal is a withdrawal approved by the Office of Student Support Services as a documented event or serious illness that is beyond the student’s control and prevents the student from continuing or performing successfully in the semester. With a hardship withdrawal, students are expected to withdraw from all courses for the semester. Students are not guaranteed WPs if they withdraw for hardship reasons. Instructors have the prerogative to assign WP or WF grades regardless of the reason for withdrawal. If you believe you qualify for a hardship withdrawal and can provide necessary documentation, contact the Office of Student Support Services at 706-542-8220.
Is there a deadline to appeal for a hardship withdrawal?
Due to the time required to review supportive documentation and hardship circumstances, the Office of Student Support Services can assist students appealing for hardship withdrawals until about a week before classes end. Specific deadline dates are posted on the website each semester. After that time, students will not be eligible to appeal for hardship withdrawals.
What other things do I need to consider before withdrawing?
Withdrawing from some or all classes could affect your housing status (University Housing/706-542-1421), athletic status (Athletic Dept. /706-542-1847), or immigration status (International Education/706-542-7903). It could also impact your financial aid (Student Financial Aid/706-542-6147), veteran’s benefits (Veterans Benefits/Registrar/706-542-8772), and health and automobile insurance coverage. Be sure to check on all of these before you withdraw. Students are advised to review these circumstances before withdrawing from any or all courses.
What is the difference between a WP and a WF?
A WP is "withdrew passing" and will not factor into your GPA. A WF is "withdrew failing" and will count in your GPA like an F.
What if I am called to active military duty during the semester?
Students who receive emergency orders to active duty during a semester in progress must provide the Office of Student Support Services with a copy of these orders. The orders must include the date the student must report for duty and the length of time of service. This official documentation is required in order to receive a military withdrawal. A military withdrawal results in the assignment of WM for all classes (which do not factor into the GPA) and allows for a full refund of tuition and fees. Students cannot receive military withdrawals for semesters that have already been completed.
What if I am unable to take a final exam?
A student who has a personal conflict with a scheduled final exam must appeal with the instructor. It is the instructor’s prerogative to reschedule a final exam or any other exam for a student. If a student has two exams scheduled for the same time or three exams scheduled for the same day, he or she may petition to reschedule one exam at a different time or day through the Office of Curriculum Systems.
How can I receive an Incomplete?
Students can contact their instructors to request Incompletes. An Incomplete grade can be assigned, at the instructor’s discretion, if a student has satisfactorily completed the majority of course work but, for non-academic reasons, is unable to finish the semester. Students are encouraged to discuss with their instructors the expectations for completing courses for which Incompletes have been assigned.
How long do I have to complete a course with an Incomplete grade?
University policy allows students up to three semesters (including summer) to complete a course with an Incomplete grade. However, instructors are not required to give students three semesters to complete the course. Students and instructors should discuss expectations for completing courses for which Incompletes have been assigned. Students are responsible for understanding their instructors’ expectations for finishing an Incomplete. Failure to complete a course within three semesters (or within the instructor’s allowed time frame) will result in the grade being converted to an F.
How do I appeal a grade?
The process to appeal grades begins with the instructor of record for the course and, if unresolved, then proceeds to the Department Head. The Dean of the college or school, the Educational Affairs Committee of University Council, and the President are the final levels of appeal. A student who failed all of his or her classes due to hardship circumstances may appeal through the Office of Student Support Services for grade changes to WP. The process for a grade change appeal through Student Support follows the same criteria as appealing for a hardship withdrawal. More information about the grade appeal process can be found here.
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