Links: Late Drop Form | Late Add Form

How does a “W” look to graduate schools or employers?
In general it looks just like what it is: you withdrew from a course. Since there are a variety of legitimate reasons for withdrawing from a course, a W is neutral. A pattern of W’s, however, may suggest that you don’t know your limits, have difficulty completing work, are unfocused or flakey—all potential negatives in the eyes of an admissions committee and future employers.

May I drop a course if I am on probation?
Yes, you may withdraw, but we require that you meet with an academic advisor to discuss your situation. The conversation is a good opportunity to assess your academic performance in this and your other courses and to plan for finishing the term successfully.

Can I drop a mini-course that begins in the second half of the semester?
Yes, if the pro-rated deadline has not yet passed. Verify the deadline posted in the on-line Course Guide. If it is in the future, take your UM ID to one of the Registrar’s Student Service locations at 1207 LS&A Building, or B430 LL N. Pierpont Commons where you can request the drop. If the deadline has passed you will need to complete a Request for a Late Drop form.

Can I add a mini-course that begins in the second half of the semester?
Yes, if the course has open seats and the pro-rated registration deadline has not passed. After the third week add/drop deadline Wolverine Access no longer functions for add/drop transactions so you will need to go to one of the Registrar’s Student Service locations at 1207 LS&A Building or B430 LL N. Pierpont Commons. If the course is closed or the deadline has passed you will need to get an electronic override from the department and complete a Request for a Late Add form.

May I change a pass/fail designation after the third week deadline?
An emphatic NO. Any changes to pass/fail modifications must be finalized before the deadline. Be sure to print a copy of your schedule that reflects the pass/fail as proof of your intention.

Does it matter if I drop below 12 credits?
It depends. In most cases, athletic eligibility, international student visa status, financial aid eligibility, and insurance coverage depend on being a full-time student with 12 or more credits. Note that the effective dates for calculating one’s status may vary in different situations. Contact the appropriate resource to determine the impact of having fewer credits on your particular eligibility status.

How can I verify that the drop was processed?
If you have submitted the completed Late Drop Request to the Advising Center allow a day or so for processing and check your Academic Report (Unofficial Transcript) in Wolverine Access, Student Business. Your Class Schedule will not reflect the withdrawal.

Do I need the signature of the professor to complete the Request for a Late Drop?
Yes/No. You need either the signature of the GSI or faculty member on the form. We require that you talk with an instructor to assess your performance and potential for successfully completing the class so you can make an informed decision.

Do I need advisor approval to drop a class?
The Request for a Late Drop form includes a few questions that will determine whether you will be required to speak to an advisor before dropping. In general, you will only be required to talk to an advisor if we think you might need some further information to make an informed decision, for example, if dropping a class would take you below full-time status.

I am a first-term LSA student who withdrew from a class after the third week deadline. Why does the W appear on my unofficial transcript?
In order to verify full-time enrollment the W will continue to appear on the unofficial transcript (Academic Report) you can access in Wolverine Access. The W is only expunged on the official transcript.