W-Drop Basic Information / 10-21-10 Deadline

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. 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.
• THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT THE SIGNED COURSE CHANGE REQUEST FORM IS OCTOBER 21st! 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 10/21/10 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). 
  
• 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. 
• 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 (413) 545-2191 and make an appointment, or come to Drop-In Hours at 615 Goodell, from 10:30-11:30 and 3-4 daily.