Withdrawal Policy - Undergraduate Students Only

 
Under the new policy, undergraduate students will be limited to a total of eighteen withdrawals over their entire undergraduate career beginning in fall semester 2009.

Students will be able to withdraw ("W" grade) from classes using MyCSUSM during a time period beginning the day after the add/drop window ends through the 19th day of the term. Beginning the 20th day of the term through the end of the 12th week, students will be required to provide third party documentation to support the withdrawal and obtain approval from the faculty and department chair, dean, or dean's designee. After the 12th week of the term, the withdrawal request must be reviewed and approved from a presidential appointee. 

Students will be able to monitor their withdrawals through MyCSUSM. 

Withdrawal Timeline:

Semester

Withdrawal Reason

20th day of the term through the end of the 12th week

Serious and Compelling Reasons*

Requires: documentation, faculty approval and department chair or dean or dean's designee

After the 12th week of the term

Accident or serious physical or mental illness, or serious personal or family problems

Requires: documentation, faculty approval and department chair or dean or dean's designee, AND review by an academic administrator


Requests for Withdrawal  for Serious and Compelling Reasons (20th day through 12th week)

*Serious and Compelling Reasons:

The following situations are typical of those for which "serious and compelling" is appropriate justification for approving withdrawals.

  • An extended absence due to a verifiable accident, illness, or personal problem serious enough to cause withdrawal from the university.
  • An extended absence due to a death in the immediate family. This applies to absences exceeding a week due to family affairs that must be attended to by the student.
  • A necessary change in employment status which interferes with the student's ability to attend class. The student's employer must verify this change in employment status in writing for the term in which the withdrawal is being requested.
  • Other unusual or very special cases, considered on their own merit.

The following situations would not fall under the intent of "serious and compelling."

  • Grade anticipated in class is not sufficiently high, or student is doing failing work.
  • Failure to attend class, complete assignments, or take a test.
  • Dissatisfaction with course material, instructional method, or instructor.
  • Class is harder than expected.
  • Pressure of other classes, participation in social activities, or simple lack of motivation.
  • A change of major.

Revision was prompted in part by Executive Order 1037
Questions?  Email registrar@csusm.edu