Dropping With a 'W' (and Pass/Fail too!) DEADLINE MARCH 23rd!

Dropping with a W is a standard practice. It is not punitive and will not count against you should you decide to apply for/declare a major (as long as you have completed whatever pre-requisites and predictor courses and meet the requirements for that specific department).You should consider dropping a course with a 'W' if you know that you will not do well in it (C- or below) especially if your major/application expects a strong cumulative GPA. Now you have the opportunity to take a Pass/Fail option as well. Go here to learn more about Pass/Fail. Here are a few things you should know if you are considering dropping a class with a 'W':

• Unlike dropping a class during Add/Drop, when you drop a class with a 'W', it WILL show up on your transcripts. But once you drop, you are out of the class and will not receive a grade.
• Also unlike Add/Drop, dropping with a W cannot be done on Spire. You must fill out a COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM and have your instructor sign the form before you submit the completed form to the registrar's office. You must do this if you elect to take a class Pass/Fail, however an INSTRUCTOR'S SIGNATURE IS **NOT** REQUIRED FOR THE COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM!
• THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE SIGNED COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM IS MARCH 23rd! THIS IS THE SAME DEADLINE FOR PASS/FAIL! REMEMBER! THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE CLOSES AT 5PM! DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT THE FORM! For more info about the registrar's office, you can read their FAQ page here. 
• What if I miss the deadline? There will be no extension to the deadline. If you want to drop a course after the 3/23/10 and you are an undeclared student, you will need to attend Undergraduate Advising / Dean's Office Drop-in Hours and complete a type-written petition that will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee (within the Dean's Office).  However, be proactive! If you KNOW that your decision will be based on a grade for an exam/paper you will receive AFTER the deadline, stop by Academic Advising and let us know!
• Be sure that you do not drop a class if doing so will leave you with fewer than 12 credits. **Remember** you must be enrolled in 12 CREDITS OR ABOVE in order to be considered a full-time student. This is another good reason to consider Pass/Fail as an option.
• And remember, while dropping with a W isn't punitive, amassing a group of 'W' drops, say more than 5-6 during your time at UMass, may not look favorably for you when, for example, a graduate program reviews your transcripts. 

If you would like to speak to an advisor about dropping with a W, please call 545-2191 and make an appointment, or come to Drop-In Hours at 615 Goodell, from 10:30-11:30 and 3-4 daily.