How to drop or withdrawal

Drop

Initiated by the student during the WMU open registration period online through GoWMU. No documentation is required, but he student is encouraged to consult with the instructor, academic advisor, and financial aid advisor (if applicable). Dropped courses do not appear on the student’s transcript.

Withdrawals

Two types of withdrawals are possible, Student-initiated withdrawal and Hardship Panel-approved withdrawal. Courses from which the student withdraws will appear on the student’s transcript with a non-punitive "W" grade.

Students may not withdraw from courses or programs when any unresolved Academic Integrity charge exists or to avoid any academic penalty resulting from an Academic Integrity violation for which the student is found responsible. If a student has been found to withdraw from any or all courses or programs to avoid an Academic Integrity charge, the student shall be re-enrolled so that any such charges may be resolved.

Student-Initiated Withdrawal

A student may withdraw from one or more courses without academic penalty online through GoWMU, from the end of the open registration until the last date for student-initiated withdrawal. No documentation is required, but the student is encouraged to consult with the instructor, academic advisor, and financial aid advisor (if applicable).

Hardship Panel-Approved Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a course at any time after the end of the student–initiated withdrawal period will only be permitted through the Hardship Panel withdrawal process of GAPDAC, and documentation as to the nature of the hardship is required. The Hardship Panel will determine if a hardship exists and whether a withdrawal is warranted. The decision of the Hardship Panel is final and not subject to further appeals. Except for documented and exceptional circumstances, hardship petitions will NOT be accepted more than one year after the end of the term or session for which the hardship was documented. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the University Ombuds before initiating a hardship-based withdrawal appeal.

Hardships may include (but not be limited to): severe physical or mental illness; injury of student or close family member; death of a close family member; act of violence; and exigencies of military service (where established procedures are not applicable). Examples of situations NOT considered a "hardship" include (but are not limited to): student dislikes course, teaching method or professor; student considers course too difficult; student has taken on more academic or other obligations than student can handle; change in major so course no longer needed; financial constraints; any situations of resolved or unresolved academic integrity charges.

Forms and Further Information

Appropriate forms may be obtained from the University Ombudsman office or Web site at www.wmich.edu/ombudsman

Specific deadlines and details concerning any tuition refund that may be allowed can be found online at the Registrar's Web site, www.wmich.edu/registrar/.