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 withdrawal. For students in their first fall or winter term at the University of Michigan, the W(s) are expunged from the official transcript after the term is completed. 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.

Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss the request and its impact on the student s program.  In some instances, students may need an advisor's approval to drop the course.

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.

In order for the Academic Standards Board to grant a drop at this time, some non-academic, extraordinary event (like serious illness or a severe personal disruption) would have occurred after the ninth-week (four and a half week of a half-term) drop deadline and would make completion of a course or courses very difficult if not impossible; the Board assumes that the student's academic performance up to the point of the disruptive event has been satisfactory.  Students wishing to drop a class must obtain and complete an Election Change Worksheet and Request for an Exception to the Late Drop Policy form from the LS&A Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall.  The course instructor or GSI must complete the pertinent sections of the form.  In addition, the student must meet with an academic advisor to discuss the circumstances and possible consequences surrounding the student's request.  The instructor's and advisor's signatures on the form indicate that the student has discussed the request for a drop with them, but does not indicate approval. That decision is made by the Academic Standards Board.  

Students who want to add a course after the ninth week of the term must obtain and complete an Election Change Worksheet and Request for an Exception to the Late Add Policy form from the LS&A Advising Center, 1255 Angell.  They must also secure an electronic permission (override) to add the course from the course instructor.  The Academic Standards Board reviews these add and drop requests and will respond to the student via e-mail.