Illinois State administrators and faculty strongly advise students to complete all courses in which they enroll. Students are encouraged to consider withdrawing from courses after the program change period (the end of the tenth day of the term) only after they have exhausted all other options. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor or the Dean of Students office before withdrawing from a course (or courses) and students are strongly advised not to withdraw from the University unless absolutely necessary.
The following policy applies when a student drops one or more—but not all—courses in which they are enrolled:
A student may initiate this process of withdrawal by reporting to the Office of the University Registrar Service Center, 107 Moulton Hall, or by writing the Office of the University Registrar at Campus Box 2202. Information on the process and the required forms can be found on the Office of the University Registrar's website (www.registrar.ilstu.edu).
If a student withdraws from a course(s) before the end of the tenth day of the term, notice of withdrawal will not appear on the student's transcript. If a student withdraws from a full-semester course after the end of the tenth day of the term but prior to the end of the twelfth week of the term during any regular semester, a grade of WX will appear on the student’s transcript for that course. For courses taken during a term lasting less than a regular semester, the withdrawal date will be adjusted accordingly and a proportional adjustment of charges will apply.
A grade of F will be issued to students who (1) do not attend their course(s) but fail officially to withdraw from the course(s) in compliance with the above procedure; or (2) register for a course but do not complete course requirements. In unusual cases, exceptions may be granted by the Office of the University Registrar in consultation with the instructor.
A student may make a written request to the Office of the University Registrar for a late withdrawal if circumstances beyond the student's reasonable control have prohibited the student from attending a course, completing the semester, and/or fulfilling the course requirements.
A student should consult the Student Accounts Office for questions regarding adjustment of charges for specific withdrawal dates during any instructional term. Regardless of the circumstances of withdrawal, the student is responsible for returning all laboratory equipment and library materials issued to them and paying all outstanding parking or other fines or fees.
If a student has a pending academic integrity violation(s), the student's request for a grade of WX in that course(s) will be placed on hold until the alleged violation(s) has been resolved by Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities (SCCR). If a sanction is imposed on the student by SCCR, a grade of WX will not be issued unless approved by the instructor. The instructor will retain the right to grade the student for the course(s).
If withdrawing from a course (or courses) causes a student to fall below full-time enrollment, additional actions or approvals may be required. Before submitting the course withdrawal form(s) to the Office of the University Registrar, graduate students must obtain authorization from the Graduate School; international students must obtain authorization from International Student and Scholar Services; student athletes must contact their assigned University College Advisor ; and military service members should consult with the Veterans and Military Services office to ensure compliance. Students living in on-campus housing who fall below full-time enrollment must contact University Housing Services to notify that office of their change in status. The student should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the effect(s) withdrawal will have on current and future financial aid. The student should arrange for payment of loans with the Office of the Comptroller and consult the Student Accounts Office for information on any applicable reduction of charges.
When a student drops all courses in which they are enrolled, this process is known as withdrawal from the University. Students are strongly advised to complete courses in which they are enrolled and not to withdraw from the University unless absolutely necessary.
Before the end of the twelfth week of the term during any regular semester, a student wishing to withdraw from the University shall report to the Office of the University Registrar Service Center in 107 Moulton Hall or write to the Office of the University Registrar at Campus Box 2202 to withdraw from the University.
In the event a student needs to withdraw due to a financial or physical hardship, the University will work to limit debt owed by the student and assist the student if and when they choose to re-enroll. Types of hardship include but are not limited to: serious injury or illness; chronic illness; a medical issue of a family member in which the student has to become a part-time or full-time caretaker; a mental health condition; a sudden or consistent lack of transportation issue; and a significant cost of living increase. More information about the withdrawal process is available through the Office of the University Registrar.
Before submitting a withdrawal form to the Office of the University Registrar, graduate students must contact the Graduate School; international students must obtain authorization from International Student and Scholar Services; student athletes must contact their assigned University College Advisor ; and military service members should consult with the Veterans and Military Services office to ensure compliance.
If a student's written request, including appropriate supporting documentation, to withdraw from the University is granted, all grades will be issued in the same manner and under the same provisions as the regular course withdrawal guidelines described above.
Regardless of the circumstances of withdrawal, the student is responsible for returning all laboratory equipment and library materials and paying all outstanding parking or other fines or fees. The student must contact University Housing Services to obtain clearance from room and board obligations and to arrange for vacating their residence hall room. The student should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the effect(s) withdrawal will have on current and future financial aid. The student should arrange for payment of loans with the Office of the Comptroller and consult Student Accounts for information on any applicable reduction of charges. Other university offices will likely need to be contacted by the student regarding the withdrawal . The Withdrawal Checklist on the Office of the University Registrar website includes more information about the withdrawal process.
A grade of F will be issued to students who (1) do not attend their courses but fail to withdraw from the University before specified final withdrawal dates, and (2) register for a course but do not complete course requirements. In unusual cases, exceptions may be granted by the Office of the University Registrar in consultation with the instructor.
If a student has a pending academic integrity violation(s), the student's request for a grade of WX in that course(s) will be placed on hold until the alleged violation(s) has been resolved by Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities (SCCR). If a sanction is imposed on the student by SCCR, a grade of WX will not be issued unless approved by the instructor. The instructor will retain the right to grade the student for the course(s).
ACCOMMODATION
The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to University academic programs, services, and facilities in accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
The University has designated the Student Access and Accommodation Services office to process and support student accommodation requests. Procedures can be found at https://studentaccess.illinoisstate.edu/, by contacting AbleISU@IllinoisState.edu, or by calling (309) 438-5853.
Policy Owner: Office of the Provost
Contact: Office of the Provost (309-438-7018)
Revised: 09/2022
