Chapter IV: Academic Policies and Procedures The policies and procedures described in this chapter govern the conduct of academic matters affecting students enrolled in the College. Exceptions to these policies may be granted only upon written petition to the Academic Standards Board. Honors students petition the Honors Academic Board; Residential College students petition the RC Counseling Office. General College Policies and Procedures Drop/Add Policy The College expects students to finalize their academic schedules in the first three weeks of a term (first two weeks of a half-term). Later changes may be made according to the policies described below. Courses dropped in the first three weeks of a term (first two weeks of a half-term) do not appear on the academic record. Thereafter, all courses officially dropped appear on the transcript with a "W" notation indicating withdraw. The "W" means that the student dropped a course after the third week of a Fall or Winter Term (second week of a half-term) and that the College accepted the reason(s) for the drop and gave its approval. Failure to complete a course or to secure approval for a late drop of the course results in the transcript notation Unofficial Drop (ED) which is averaged into the term and cumulative grade point averages as a failing grade (E). Courses elected on a non-graded pattern do not affect the term or cumulative grade point averages. Weeks one through three of a term (weeks one through two of a half-term): Students may make drop/add changes without advisor approval when these changes result in an academic schedule of 18 credits or less during a term (9 credits in a half-term). Programs of more than 18 credits during a term (more than 9 credits during a half-term) require advisor approval as do all course changes made by Honors students. Adds of classes that are closed or require permission of instructor must be accompanied by an electronic permission from the department. Students are responsible for any work assigned in the course from its beginning, regardless of the date of election. Therefore, it is important to talk with the course instructor about work assigned to date before adding a course in the second or third week. Since the fee assessment is not set until the end of this three-week period (two weeks in a half-term), a student dropping below 12 credits (six in a half-term) will be assessed a lower tuition charge. Weeks four through nine of a term (three through four and a half of a half-term): Students requesting changes must (1) obtain a Request for Late Drop or Late Add form and Election Change Worksheet from 1255 Angell Hall; (2) complete both forms, stating the reason(s) for the drop; (3) obtain the instructor's recommendation and signature; (4) return the completed forms to 1255 Angell Hall. All requests to add courses must be accompanied by an electronic permission entered by the department. Honors students follow the procedures established by the Honors Office; Residential College students follow RC procedures. An academic advisor can approve a drop or add request in this period. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the request and its impact on the student's program. Fees are not reduced even if a student drops below 12 credits (six in a half-term). Week ten through the last day of classes of a term (after the end of week four and a half through the last day of classes for a half-term): Only the most serious circumstances warrant dropping a course after the ninth week of the term. Fear of failing the course or no longer needing the course in a degree program are not considered valid reasons for granting approval to drop a course in this period. Students wishing to make changes must (1) obtain an Election Change Worksheet, (2) complete a Request for Late Drop or Late Add form signed by the instructor, and (3) make an appointment with an academic advisor. The instructor's and advisor's signatures indicate that the request for a change in academic schedule has been discussed, but they do not indicate approval. All requests to add courses must be accompanied by an electronic permission. Requests are reviewed by the Academic Standards Board. University of Michigan | College of LS&A | Student Academic Affairs | LS&A Bulletin Index This page maintained by LS&A Academic Information and Publications, 1228 Angell Hall Copyright © 2002 The Regents of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA +1 734 764-1817 Trademarks of the University of Michigan may not be electronically or otherwise altered or separated from this document or used for any non-University purpose.