Navigating Course Drops at UCF: A Comprehensive Guide

Dropping a class at the University of Central Florida (UCF) might seem daunting, but understanding the policies and procedures can make the process smoother. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to drop a course, covering everything from the initial add/drop period to late drops and medical withdrawals.

Understanding the Add/Drop Period

After enrolling in classes at UCF, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule during the add/drop period, which typically lasts until the first week of classes. The specific dates are posted on the Academic Calendar. During this time, you can add, drop, and "swap" courses.

Dropping a Course: Dropping a class before the add/drop deadline simply removes it from your schedule. This action frees up a seat for another student if a waitlist exists. If you wish to re-enroll in the course, you may do so, unless it is closed or waitlisted, in which case you will be added to the waitlist. Note that dropping a course is NOT reversible.

Swapping a Course: If you want to switch sections of a class without risking losing your spot in the original section, swapping is an ideal solution. To swap, add the new class to your shopping list. Then, in MyUCF, navigate to Enroll, choose Swap, and select the relevant term. Choose the course you are currently enrolled in (the one you wish to drop) from the first drop-down menu. Below, where it says "Shopping cart," select the desired course from your shopping cart. Click Submit and follow the prompts. Using the swap feature ensures that you are only dropped from the first class if you successfully enroll in the second class. If any issue arises with the second class, such as a registration error, or if you are only added to the waitlist, you will remain enrolled in the first class.

Waitlist Swapping: If you "waitlist swap" a class (i.e., you are enrolled in one class and swap it for a class with a waitlist), your original enrollment will only be dropped if you obtain a seat from the waitlist.

Read also: Credit Score Guide

Withdrawals After the Add/Drop Deadline

After the add/drop period ends, but before the withdrawal deadline, you can withdraw from courses yourself via MyUCF. Withdrawn courses will remain on your academic record with a grade of "W," and you will still be responsible for the associated tuition.

Withdrawal Limits: If you were admitted to UCF in Summer 2023 or later, you are limited to a maximum of six course withdrawals at UCF: three from 1000-2000 level courses and three from 3000+ level courses. Additionally, you may only withdraw from the same course twice. If you have withdrawn from the same class twice and want to enroll in it again, you must obtain approval from your academic success coach.

Impact of Withdrawals: Be aware that withdrawals can impact the disbursement of financial aid, Satisfactory Academic Progress, and the renewal of certain types of financial aid. There may also be financial consequences for the current semester. It's crucial to verify minimum enrollment requirements for your housing agreements as well.

Late Drops and Late Withdrawals: When Life Happens

A Late Drop and a Late Withdrawal are similar to a regular Drop or Withdrawal, but they are petitioned after their respective deadlines. The Late Withdrawal period is between the day after the regular withdrawal deadline and the last day of the semester. These options are intended for situations that arise after the standard deadlines have passed.

Late Drop: A Late Drop removes enrollment from your academic record, including the transcript, due to an extraordinary circumstance. If approved, a full refund of tuition fees is issued, and the course is completely removed from the student’s academic record.

Read also: Understanding MC Drop Dates

Late Withdrawal: A late withdrawal is considered if you can’t complete the semester because of a documented extenuating circumstance that occurs after the withdrawal deadline. For instance, being the primary caregiver of an immediate family member who becomes seriously ill or injured. Late Withdrawals are usually requested late in the semester. If approved, the student will receive a WL grade, which will not affect their GPA.

Common Scenarios for Late Drops/Withdrawals:

Death of an immediate family member
Involuntary call to military service
A documented administrative error by the university
Unexpected job transfer
Impact from a natural disaster

Important Considerations for Late Drops/Withdrawals:

A late drop petition must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within six months of the end of the term for which the late drop is sought, as mandated by the Board of Governors policy.
A late withdrawal petition must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within one year of the end of the term for which the late withdrawal is sought.
Talk to your professor before pursuing a late drop or late withdrawal petition. Your professor should be informed of your intent to change the registration status of your class(es). Your professor can support your decision to petition but does not have the authority to approve your petition. If your petition is approved your professor’s input will determine if you receive a “Withdraw Passing” (WP) or a “Withdraw Failing” (WF) for the course.
Summer 2021 and prior: If a late withdrawal is approved by the Registrar’s Office, a grade of “WP” (Withdraw Passing) or “WF” (Withdraw Failing) will be assigned by the instructor according to your academic performance.

Unacceptable Reasons: Dissatisfaction with a course or poor academic performance are not acceptable reasons for a Late Drop or Withdrawal. In these cases, you are encouraged to speak with your instructor.

Medical Withdrawals: Prioritizing Your Health

A medical withdrawal is considered if you are unable to complete the semester due to a serious medical condition (physical or psychological). The medical condition should have arisen during the given semester from which withdrawal is sought. If approved, a grade of “WM” (withdrawal due to medical reason) will be recorded for each affected course. A “WM” grade has no effect on your Grade Point Average.

Process for Medical Withdrawal:

Your medical provider(s) will need (be asked) to provide appropriate medical documentation using the forms provided by our office.
Complete a Removal of Medical Hold form. You and your physician(s) will need to complete the form.
Both the Removal of Medical Hold form from your medical provider and your letter of progress to the committee must be submitted within the application window.
Once the Registrar’s Office receives your completed Removal of Medical Hold form(s) and your letter of progress, the committee will review it on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Important Considerations for Medical Withdrawals:

A medical withdrawal is usually for all classes taken in the term.
An approved medical withdrawal will also include tuition refund only if the completed petition was submitted to the Registrar’s Office before the six-month submission deadline, as mandated by the Board of Governors policy.
Bright Futures awards will be reduced for withdrawn classes, including Medical Withdrawal.
Note: Medical Withdrawals are a type of Late Withdrawal.

Financial Aid Implications

Dropping or withdrawing from courses can have significant financial implications. It is crucial to understand how these actions might affect your financial aid.

A late drop results in the course/s being removed from your class schedule, as if you were never registered in them. As a result, you may be ineligible for all or a portion of your financial aid, depending on the number of hours that you are dropping and the number of hours remaining. Consider: What aid did I receive that is dependent on the number of hours I am enrolled in? What will the tuition credit be for the drop?
If you withdraw from all your classes on or before the 60% point in time of the semester, which is calculated using calendar days, a portion of the total federal aid funds awarded must be returned, according to the provisions of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. The return of these funds will result in the student owing a balance to the University and/or the Federal Government.
If a student is approved for medical withdrawal, a refund of tuition fees may also be approved.
Bright Futures awards will be reduced for withdrawn classes, including Medical Withdrawal.
Consider: Will I meet the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress if this withdrawal is approved? Will I meet specific renewal requirements for specific programs for the next year?
Federal law requires that UCF evaluate federal aid recipients who fail to earn any credit during a semester, in order to determine if the student stopped attending classes on or before the 60% point of the semester. Students who are reported to have stopped attending all of their classes prior to the 60% point of the semester or whose professors report that they began attendance but cannot determine if the student stopped before the 60% point will be identified as students who “unofficially withdrew” from classes.

Additional Considerations and Resources

Incomplete Grade: If you’re passing the course and believe you could resume course activities the following semester, you might want to consider discussing an Incomplete Grade with your professor. An Incomplete allows you to finish the remaining coursework within the next semester, with a timeline arranged with your instructor.
Administrative Record Change (ARC): An Administrative Record Change (ARC) is a formal request to change your course schedule after the official add/drop period has ended.
Consult with your instructor: If your reason for seeking a Late Withdrawal is poor performance, dissatisfaction with the course, or loss of interest, please consult your instructor.
Registrar’s Office: Contact the Registrar’s Office or speak with an advisor in person. The office is located in Millican Hall, room 161. Due to student privacy policies, they can only give forms to and accept forms from the student requesting them - please do not have friends or family pick up or drop off forms.

Read also: Navigating Life After Dropping Out

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