We understand that your academic journey may not always go as planned. Unexpected challenges may arise, your academic goals may shift, or you may find that a course is not the right fit for you. If you decide that dropping or withdrawing from a course is the best option, we’re here to help you understand your options and guide you through the process!
What’s the Difference Between Dropping and Withdrawing from a Course?
Drop a Course:
A drop occurs when a student leaves a course or is removed for ceasing attendance or lack of participation before the end of the published drop period outlined in the Advisement Calendar, also referred to as the “Last Day to Drop a Course with 100% Refund.” The dropped course is not recorded on the student’s transcript, and the student is eligible for a full refund of tuition.
- Student-Initiated Drop: Students must submit a request to drop a course within the published drop period to be eligible for a refund.
- Faculty-Initiated Drop at Census: Faculty are required to report non-attending students to the Admissions and Records Office by the census date through the designated attendance reporting tool. The Admissions and Records Office will drop the reported students, and the course(s) will be refunded and removed from the transcript.
Withdraw from a Course:
A withdrawal occurs when a student formally chooses to leave a course for any reason after the end of the published drop period (census) and on or before the last official date to withdraw as outlined in the Advisement Calendar. A “W” grade is recorded on the student’s transcript but does not affect the student’s cumulative GPA. However, a withdrawal may impact financial aid eligibility under Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards outlined in AP 833. Students are not eligible for refunds for withdrawn courses.
- Student-Initiated Withdrawal: It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from any course they no longer wish to attend.
- Administrative Withdrawal: Faculty may withdraw a student from a course for non-attendance, lack of participation, or inappropriate course conduct. Instructors may also administratively withdraw a student when, in their professional judgment, the student’s pattern of absences or lack of academic progress make it unlikely that the student can successfully complete the course. Course-specific attendance requirements are outlined in the course syllabus.
- College administrators may withdraw students for emergency circumstances, violations of the Student Code of Conduct, or other disciplinary reasons.
How to Drop or Withdraw from a Course
- Complete the Request to Drop Courses form in-person with Admissions and Records in E122;
- Complete the online Request to Drop Courses form through SoftDocs;
- Email your drop request to the Admissions and Records Office at admissions@jalc.edu. Include your name, student identification number, course, and course section.
Your form will be processed in the order it is received. Once your withdrawal has been processed, we will notify you via your College Volmail address. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions and Records Office as soon as possible at 618-985-2828, ext. 8298, or email admissions@jalc.edu.
Students may appeal for re-enrollment by contacting the instructor directly. Instructors may email Admissions and Records if
Academic Impact
It is highly recommended that you communicate with your Academic Advisor to be certain of how withdrawing from a class can impact your progress. If you have questions about whether you should withdraw from a class, please contact Academic Advising at registration@jalc.edu or call 618-985-2828, ext. 8070.
- Dropping a course may impact your financial aid and/or scholarship eligibility. Students with financial aid or scholarships should consult the appropriate offices before dropping a course.
- Students must complete 67% of the total hours attempted to remain in good standing for financial aid eligibility.
- If you are a recipient of federal financial aid, withdrawing from all courses may result in an outstanding balance due to the return of Title IV funds.
- If the course is required for degree completion, you may need to retake the course, which could delay your graduation by a semester or more.
- If the withdrawn course is a prerequisite for a course you plan to take the following semester, you may need to modify your registration for that semester.