Academic Policies

The Office of the Registrar has a list here. You should review this information regularly and add these key dates and deadlines to your calendar or planner so you can plan accordingly.

There are two different deadlines for adding a course. Different conditions will apply depending on when you are trying to add the class, check this chart for more information and directions for adding a course. A full list of academic dates and deadlines can be found here.

Independent research is considered an independent study course and must follow the requirements for academic credit. In order to add an independent study course to your schedule, first talk with the faculty member in charge of your lab to make sure your work will meet the academic requirements for credit. You and your mentor (and the faculty member, if different) should complete a Plan of Study for the semester (you can use this template if you want). Once you have all agreed on the plan, make sure you have gotten permission to enroll from the department and add the course. Different conditions will apply depending on when you are trying to add the class, check this chart for more information and directions for adding a course. A full list of academic dates and deadlines can be found here. For more information about independent study, click here.

Adding more than 18 credits in a semester requires permission from your academic advisor and the Office of Academic Affairs by completing the credit overload request form. Additional tuition and fees apply. See the Office of the Registrar’s website for the definition of maximum credit load in the summer session.

You can drop a course any time before the drop deadline through Course Search & Enroll. It can be difficult to decide whether you should drop a course but there are situations in which it may be the right decision, even after the initial drop deadline. Dropping a course may be a good decision if it is covering different information than expected or is more difficult than expected and in some situations, dropping one course can provide you with more time to study in your other courses. It is important to note that dropping a course can affect your full-time status as a student, so you should think about factors like visa status, scholarships and financial aid, and athletic eligibility. If any of those considerations are relevant to you, you should talk to advisors and staff in those offices before you make a decision when dropping a course would drop you below full-time status.

Dropping a course after the drop deadline is granted only for serious reasons such as illness, death, or family emergencies. If you would like to submit an appeal to request a late drop, you should talk with your advisor and then you can submit an appeal to the Scholastic Policies and Actions Committee (SPAC) here. You should continue to attend the course, take exams, and submit work while you are waiting for the results of your appeal.

You can request a withdrawal from the current term in your Student Center based on the academic deadlines. If your withdrawal qualifies as a medical withdrawal, you will be asked to submit documentation signed by your medical provider as evidence. Detailed information about withdrawals can be found here. If you have any questions about how to start this process, please meet with a CALS Dean on Call.

After the withdrawal deadline, you can appeal for a late or retroactive withdrawl by submitting an appeal to the Scholastic Policies and Actions Committee (SPAC), complete the SPAC appeal form here. You should talk with your advisor prior to submitting an appeal and continue to attend your courses, take exams, and submit work while you are waiting for the results of your appeal.

Before the variable credit deadline, you can change credits in Course Search & Enroll. After that, you will need to complete a request in your Student Center. You will need to have the request printed and signed by the instructor. Changes for a previous semester will need an appeal, which is done through a SPAC appeal form.

Pass/fail grading is only allowed for electives and must be requested in the Student Center by the 4th week deadline. Because pass/fail grading can only be approved for true elective courses, you should consider carefully whether you need the course to meet a requirement. We strongly recommend you consult with your advisor prior to changing a course to pass/fail. For more information, click here.

We have a KB page with our policies on academic standing and probation. If you have questions or want to talk to someone, please meet with a CALS Dean on Call.