Dropping a class after the drop/add date (check the Academic Calendar for exact date) is called "withdrawing" from a class. The deadlines for dropping/adding/withdrawing from full- and half-semester classes differ-be sure to check the Academic Calendar.

If you withdraw from a class, the grade of "W" is recorded on your transcript.  Your GPA is not affected, and there is no tuition refund for "Ws."  You remain a full-time student-billed for the number of credits you attempted, eligible to live in campus housing, eligible for financial aid and scholarships.  If you're an athlete, however, read on!

What are some reasons for withdrawing from a class?

Ø       "I will probably fail the class."

Ø       "I am behind in all my classes and withdrawing from one will help me catch up with others."

Ø       "I am not interested in finishing the class because my educational plans have changed."

Ø       "I am getting a lower grade than I want or than I need to meet a requirement."

Ø       "I think my GPA will be too low if I keep the class."

What are some consequences of withdrawing from a class?

Ø       Withdrawing could delay or prevent entering a major and could mean taking more time to graduate. Will the class be offered again next semester, or will you need to wait a year to enroll in it again?

Ø       Withdrawing from a class may affect your financial aid next semester or next year-see the Hope College Catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office x 7765.

Ø       If you are an athlete, you need to be enrolled in at least 12 credits.  Before you withdraw from a class, check with your coach about athletic eligibility.

Note:  If you don't withdraw from a class and receive an "F" in the class, you may still face these consequences, and your GPA will certainly be lower. 

Where can I get some help to make this decision? 

Ø       Before you make a decision, you need an accurate assessment of your chances of earning satisfactory final grades.  That means you need to review the grading policies of your classes and meet with your instructors.

Ø       After you gather this information, you should also talk with your academic advisor.

Ø       Maura Reynolds, the director of advising, is happy to talk with you about making a decision.  Her office is in the Registrar's Office on the first floor of the DeWitt Center. 

If I decide I need to withdraw from a class, what should I do?

Ø       Get a drop/add slip from the Registrar's Office (1^st floor of DeWitt).  You need the signatures of your professor and your advisor.  Return the completed form to the Registrar's Office-check the academic calendar for deadlines.

Ø       Talk with your family about your decision.

Ø       Learn from what happened.  Withdrawing from classes is expensive-in money, in effort, in time-and something you don't want to do often.  Take advantage of help-sessions, office hours, tutoring, time management and study skills help.  Don't beat yourself up (all of us make mistakes).but don't continue in the actions and attitudes that led to the need to withdraw from a class.

Have other questions?

Bring them to Maura Reynolds in the Registrar's Office (DeWitt Center, 1^st floor), e-mail advising@hope.edu, or phone 7760.