Withdrawal from Class
Withdrawing from a course is different from dropping it, and understanding that distinction matters. Dropping a course occurs during the add/drop period at the start of each semester and removes the course from your record entirely. Withdrawal happens after the drop deadline has passed, and unlike a drop, it leaves a permanent mark on your transcript. A withdrawn course receives a "W" grade, which does not affect your GPA but does signal to future reviewers, including graduate programs and employers, that you enrolled in and did not complete the course.
Withdrawal is sometimes the right decision. Life brings unexpected challenges, and removing yourself from a course you cannot reasonably complete is preferable to failing it. That said, withdrawals carry consequences you should understand fully before proceeding.
The Withdrawal Deadline
Each semester has a published withdrawal deadline, typically around mid-semester for full-term courses. Accelerated or partial-semester courses have proportionally earlier deadlines. After this date, withdrawal is generally not permitted except in cases of documented medical or hardship circumstances reviewed by the Dean of Students Office.
Check the academic calendar each semester for exact withdrawal deadlines. Missing the deadline means you must remain enrolled and receive a letter grade, regardless of your performance in the course.
How to Withdraw from a Course
Withdrawing from a course is completed through your student portal registration system. Log in, navigate to your current schedule, and select the withdrawal option for the course you wish to exit. The withdrawal is processed immediately, and you will receive a "W" on your transcript for that course. You cannot reverse a withdrawal once it is submitted.
Some programs or circumstances may require advisor or dean approval before a withdrawal is processed. If the system prompts you for an approval signature, contact your advisor promptly to avoid missing the deadline.
Academic and Transcript Consequences
The "W" grade that appears on your transcript has no impact on your GPA. However, accumulating multiple "W" grades across semesters can raise concerns for graduate school admissions committees and professional programs. Some programs view repeated withdrawals as an indicator of academic difficulty or poor planning. This does not mean you should
never withdraw, but it does mean you should avoid using withdrawal as a routine strategy for courses that become challenging.
Withdrawn courses count as attempted credits for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) purposes. SAP requires that you successfully complete at least 67% of all credit hours you attempt (VSU Student Handbook, p. 14).
A withdrawal counts as an attempted but not completed credit hour, which can lower your completion rate and jeopardize your financial aid eligibility if it pushes you below the 67% threshold.
Financial Implications
Tuition and fees are generally not refunded for courses withdrawn after the drop period. The refund schedule applies only during the add/drop window. Withdrawing from a course after that period means you have already incurred the full cost of that credit hour.
Additionally, withdrawing from courses can affect your enrollment status. If a withdrawal reduces your credit hours below 12, you shift from full-time to part-time status, which may trigger the following consequences:
- Reduction or loss of financial aid and scholarships that require full-time enrollment
- Loss of eligibility for housing contracts that specify full-time status
- Impact on athletic eligibility (student-athletes must maintain full-time enrollment)
- Potential changes to health insurance coverage if you are covered under a parent's plan with a full-time student requirement
Contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing if you have any concern about aid implications.
Medical and Hardship Withdrawals
If a medical emergency, family crisis, or other serious documented circumstance prevents you from completing the semester, you may be eligible for a medical or hardship withdrawal. These processes differ from a standard course withdrawal and may allow withdrawal after the published deadline or retroactive withdrawal in exceptional cases.
Contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss a medical or hardship withdrawal. Documentation from a healthcare provider, counselor, or other appropriate professional will be required. Medical withdrawals affect all courses for the semester and are not available for individual courses after the standard deadline.
Before You Withdraw
Before submitting a withdrawal, it is worth exploring alternatives. Many students who withdraw from courses could have succeeded with the right support. Consider the following options before making a final decision:
- Schedule office hours with your professor to discuss your performance and identify gaps
- Visit the tutoring center or seek peer tutoring for targeted academic support
- Talk to your advisor about whether your course load is contributing to the difficulty
- Contact the Counseling Center if stress, anxiety, or personal circumstances are factors
If you do decide to proceed, consult with your advisor first. Your advisor can help you understand the impact on your degree progress, confirm that the withdrawal does not disrupt your prerequisite sequences, and help you plan a path forward.
Contact Information
Office of the Registrar Phone: (804) 524-5775
Financial Aid Office Phone: (804) 524-5990
Counseling Center Phone: (804) 524-5939
Mass Communications Department Advisor: (804) 524-5000