University College

Withdrawal Requests

When you no longer plan to complete a class that you are enrolled in, you must drop or withdraw from the class. Do not assume you will be dropped for non-payment of fees or non-attendance; you are responsible for dropping your classes. The process to drop or withdraw varies depending on when you decide to do so. The deadlines to drop or withdraw are available at Dates and Deadlines.  Failure to follow drop and/or withdrawal procedures may result in the assignment of failing grades in all courses.  

Dropping before the Add/Drop deadline

Students can drop all their classes in OASIS until the end of the Add/Drop period. Additional approval is not required and no “W” grade will be assigned. All classes must be dropped before term starts to receive a full refund of mandatory tuition and fees. After the term starts, tuition and fees will be prorated based on the drop date. Students who drop all classes before the Add/Drop deadline should follow up with the bursar’s office, financial aid, and student housing and residential life. Students attending CSUMB on a student visa should also contact international programs. New students who drop all classes before the Add/Drop deadline should contact admissions. 

Withdrawing after the Add/Drop deadline until the withdrawal deadline

Students wishing to withdraw from CSUMB after the Add/Drop period may request to do so for serious and compelling reasons; a grade of "W" will appear on the transcript for all approved course withdrawals after the Add/Drop period. Failure to follow formal withdrawal procedures may result in the assignment of failing grades in all courses.  

Serious and compelling reasons are typically outside a student’s control and are generally limited to the following:

  • An extended absence (a week or more) due to a verifiable accident, illness, or personal problem serious enough to cause withdrawal from the university.
  • Death (immediate family)
  • Loss of care for dependents.
  • Medical and/or psychological circumstances that significantly impede student attendance or productivity.
  • A change in employment status which interferes with the student's ability to attend class.
  • Personal/Financial Hardships
  • Military service/duty
  • Other unusual or very special cases, considered on their own merit.

The following situations are examples of reasons that would not fall under the intent of 'serious and compelling':

  • Poor academic performance or grade anticipated in class is not sufficiently high, or the student is doing failing work.
  • Failure to attend class, complete assignments, or take a test/tests.
  • Dissatisfaction with course material, instructional method, or instructor.
  • Class is harder than expected. The student is not academically prepared for coursework.
  • Taking too many units.
  • Pressure of other classes or participation in social activities.
  • Simple lack of motivation.
  • A change of major.
  • Not knowing how or when to drop or withdraw from courses.

Understanding the potential impacts of withdrawing from classes

Withdrawing from classes can be the right decision in some situations. Before submitting a withdrawal request, it’s important to understand how withdrawing may affect your tuition, financial aid, academic progress, and student status. This page outlines the most common impacts so you can make an informed decision. We strongly encourage you to review how withdrawing may affect your finances and academic progress, contact relevant offices with questions, and consider speaking with an academic advisor.

Tuition & Fees

  • You may still be responsible for paying some or all tuition and fees.
  • Tuition and fee charges are prorated based on your last day of attendance.
  • Your last day of attendance, unless otherwise documented, will be the date your completed withdrawal form (and any required documentation) is submitted. Withdrawal forms submitted on weekends or holidays may be processed using the most recent school day.
  • Withdrawing later in the term may result in higher charges and reduced refunds.

Financial Aid

  • Your financial aid may be adjusted based on your last day of attendance.
  • You may be required to repay unearned financial aid, which could result in a balance owed to the university.
  • Future financial aid eligibility may be affected.

Academic Progress & Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

  • Approved withdrawals result in a “W” grade.
  • A “W” does not affect your GPA, but it does count toward degree progress.
  • Withdrawals may affect Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and future financial aid eligibility.
  • Undergraduate students are limited to 18 units of “W” grades.

Campus Housing

  • Students who withdraw from all classes are no longer eligible for campus housing.
  • You must submit a License Cancellation Form to Student Housing & Residential Life.
  • You will be required to vacate your housing assignment.

International Students (F-1 / J-1)

  • Withdrawing may affect your immigration status.
  • You must consult the International Programs Office before submitting a withdrawal request.

Graduate Students

  • Withdrawing may impact your graduate degree progress.
  • Graduate students must notify their graduate program coordinator/advisor before submitting a withdrawal request. 

Students Receiving Veteran’s Benefits

  • Withdrawing may affect your VA education benefits, including eligibility or repayment obligations.
  • Students receiving GI Bill benefits must notify Veteran’s Services before submitting a withdrawal request.

Student Athletes

  • Withdrawing may affect your NCAA eligibility and athletic participation.
  • Student athletes can consult their athletics compliance office before submitting a withdrawal request.

Withdrawing after the withdrawal deadline until the end of the term

Withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline are only permitted for extenuating serious and compelling reasons outside of the student’s control, such as accident or serious illness, where the assignment of an incomplete is not practical. Students must provide documentation supporting their extenuating reason; a grade of "W" will appear on the transcript for all approved course withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline. 

Documentation

Acceptable documentation may include, but is not limited to: a note from a medical provider; verification of the death of a family member, partner, or supporter; documentation of hardship or incapacitation; a letter from your employer verifying a change in work schedule or status; copy of  military orders; or other relevant materials that support your request.

Withdrawal Request forms are available at https://csumb.edu/planning/forms.