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Graduate students who wish to make changes to their registration outside of the assigned add/drop or withdrawal periods must submit an academic appeal to the Graduate School. There are several different types of appeals and it is important to know which is appropriate for you to request because the outcome varies for each appeal type. The appeal form and documentation is required for all academic appeals. Submitting an appeal request does not guarantee approval and the Graduate School may require additional documentation in order to process your appeal.

Academic Withdrawal

Request to withdraw from coursework based on an extenuating circumstance (employment, miscommunication with advisor/instructor regarding withdrawal, etc.) past the last day to withdraw.

Documentation Required:

  • Written explanation of circumstances which prevented attendance or timely withdrawal on the appeal request form
  • Documentation confirming the extenuating circumstances (e.g. letter from employer or advisor)

Appeal Outcome:

  • You will receive a W on your transcript for the course(s). W’s have no impact on your GPA.
  • You will still be responsible for tuition and fees associated with the course(s).
  • If you have federal financial aid, it may be impacted.

Administrative Withdrawal

Request to withdraw from coursework due to an administrative error by the University (misadvising, computer error, etc.).

Documentation Required:

  • Written explanation of the circumstances on the appeal form
  • Documentation from your advisor/program director describing the nature of the error

Appeal Outcome:

  • You will receive a W on your transcript for the course(s). W’s have no impact on your GPA.
  • Tuition and fees associated with the course(s) will be removed from your account.
  • If you have federal financial aid, it may be impacted.

Administrative Drop

Request to remove a course from your transcript based on never attending.

Documentation Required:

  • Email confirmation or letter from the instructor that you never attended the course. Attendance for online courses includes any participation in the course via Canvas.

Appeal Outcome:

  • The course(s) will be permanently removed from your transcript.
  • Tuition and fees associated with the course(s) will be removed from your account.
  • If you have federal financial aid, it may be impacted.

Correcting Registration

Request to remove an incorrect course from your record and add the appropriate course.

Documentation Required:

  • Permission from the instructor of the course you are adding.

Appeal Outcome:

  • The incorrect course(s) will be removed from your transcript and you will be added to the correct course(s).
  • Your student account will be adjusted if there is a difference in credit hours between the courses.

Late Course Add

Request to add a course.

Documentation Required:

  • Permission from the instructor of the course you are adding.

Appeal Outcome:

  • You will be registered for the course(s) for the specified term.
  • You will owe associated tuition and fees for the course(s), which will be due immediately.

Military Withdrawal

Request to withdraw from coursework due to military orders.

Documentation Required:

  • A copy of your orders requiring you to miss classes because of military service

Appeal Outcome:

  • You will receive a W on your transcript for the course(s). W’s have no impact on your GPA.
  • Tuition and fees associated with the course(s) will be removed from your account.
  • If you have federal financial aid, it may be impacted.

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