Welcome to Dropping Classes for Dummies, the Saint Joseph’s University Edition! Here are a series of questions to consider if you’re thinking of dropping or withdrawing from a course. Also, learn about the steps to withdraw from a course, if you’re past the add-drop period and desperately need to get out of a class.
Have you talked to your professor?
So, you realize getting an A or B in a class isn’t that easy. You may have never experienced a grade less than an A before college. However, That does not mean this is your cue to drop the class altogether. First, consider all your options. Take advantage of your professor’s office hours to talk with your professor about your concerns. The professor can give you insight on your actual performance and how it compares to the overall class performance. Professors have seen the best and worst of every student in their class. Therefore, they can give you the best course of action to take. While you are at it, be sure to ask your professor if there is anything you can do to boost your grade before you consider dropping the course such as extra credit. Show your professor you are willing to work to put the extra work in!
Did you ask your classmates how they are doing in the course?
So, you’re really struggling? That’s okay. You should try checking in with your peers to see how they feel about their performance in the course. Something like, “yeah, that test was hard for me. How’d you do?” This can give you insight on your performance in comparison to your peers. As far as you know, many people in the class may be considering dropping as well, but have not tried to pull through with their classmates. You should consider exchanging contact information with your peers help each other. It can also be an opportunity to study with each other. Also, you can also ask upperclassmen or those who have taken the course before about their experience and for tips to navigate the course. You may find out that the course starts off rough but gets easier if you utilize your resources, wisely.
What’s the difference between dropping and withdrawing from a course?
You need to first decide whether you want to drop a class or withdraw from a class. These are two very different actions you can take.
We spoke to a CAS advisor, Dr. Gray, on this significant difference: “Dropping a class requires you to act during the add/drop period and is not reflected on your transcript. Withdrawing from a class happens after the add/drop period and the withdrawal is recorded on your transcript with a W.”
Dr. Gray says students should always be taking at least a full five courses every semester, and that withdrawing from a course is expensive because the student must pay to retake the class and find another time to fit it in. Also, you want to make sure you’re on track to graduate on time.
Are you in the clear?
Dropping or withdrawing from a class can be more harm than good when you consider all of the factors. For example, the university may require you to be a full-time student in order to continue receiving scholarships or financial aid. You need to be enrolled in at least 4 courses to be considered full-time. So, make sure you’re not dropping too many classes because you want to keep your full-time student status active. Also, remember withdrawal from a course, there will be a “W” on your transcript.
What are steps to dropping and withdrawing from a course?
Go visit your advising center.
If your College of Arts and Science student visit the CAS advising center in Barbelin 117. If your Haub Business School student visits the Haub advising center in Mandeville 150.
Schedule an appointment with an advisor.
Express your concern to your advisor so, that you can consider your best options. If you didn’t have an opportunity to schedule an appointment stop by during Walk-in Hours:
CAS Walk-in Hours: 1 pm -4 pm
Haub Walk-in Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Gather your documents.
Make sure you get the proper documents that you need to withdraw from a class. If you’re just dropping a class you can add/drop on the Nest section,” Class Registration” and click “Add/Drop class.” That is if you’re still within the add/drop period. Make sure you have your pin from your faculty advisor. You’re going to need to to be able to add or drop a course.
Get your signatures.
In order for the withdrawal to be processed your advisor needs to sign the course withdrawal form.
Be easy on yourself.
This is one of the most important steps. So, you’ve official withdraw from a course don’t beat yourself up. You’re not the first to withdraw from a course and you want to be the last. You’ve tried your best and that wasn’t enough, so withdrawing was the best option. Breathe in. Breathe out. You’ll be okay. It’s not the end of the world.
