When a grade has not been assigned for a course, the notation "W" (Authorized Withdrawal), "I" (Incomplete), or "Z" (Unauthorized Withdrawal) will be recorded on the student's transcript. No refunds are given.
When a grade has not been assigned for a course, the notation "W" (Authorized Withdrawal), "I" (Incomplete), or "Z" (Unauthorized Withdrawal) will be recorded on the student's transcript. No refunds are given.
The notation “W” indicates that a student left a course after the fourth week of classes, but on or before the last day of classes, in the fall or spring semester. The notation remains on the student’s permanent record and transcript, but has no effect on the student’s GPA.
Students may retake a course for which they received a “W,” but the notation will not be changed by retaking the course or by taking its equivalent elsewhere.
The notation “Z” is assigned when a student has registered for a course but has not attended class or done any graded work for the course. The notation remains on the student’s permanent record, and appears on the transcript, but has no effect on the student’s GPA.
Students may re-register for courses in which they received a “Z,” but the notation will not be changed by registering for the course or by taking its equivalent elsewhere.
The notation “I” on the transcript indicates that students have provided a satisfactory explanation to the instructor for their inability to complete the required course work in a timely fashion, due to circumstances beyond their control. Students are responsible for informing the instructor of these circumstances, and for seeking the instructor's approval, before the date when grades must be reported. This notation may be applied only if the student’s prior performance and class attendance in the course have been satisfactory.
Incomplete work must be completed by the date set forth by the professor, but no later than one calendar year from the last day of the examination period for which the grade of “I” was assigned. If the Incomplete was taken prior to the Fall 2014 semester, upon completion of the course work, the “I” remains on the student’s permanent record, along with the assigned grade (e.g., “IA,” “IB”). If the Incomplete was taken after Fall 2014, the notation of "I" will not remain on the transcript once the course is completed. If the course work is not completed within this period, the grade automatically becomes an “F,” and constitutes a failing grade.
The withdrawal period is a key point in the semester when it is important for you as a student to reflect on how you are performing in your classes. Some suggestions of questions to ask during this process could be:
Your CCAS undergraduate academic advisor is a great resource to help you understand your situation and decide whether or not withdrawing from a course makes sense for you personally and academically. Schedule an appointment with your POD advisor or stop by office hours to talk about your concerns.
Professors can help you understand where you stand in your class compared to your classmates and whether or not there is adequate time left in the semester to improve your grades if you feel behind. We encourage this conversation to be in person if possible, so that you can get all your questions answered and understand the stipulations of withdrawing.
TAs are particularly helpful resources for classes that have a lab or a discussion section as part of the course. Students may feel more comfortable approaching a TA rather than the professor when it comes to deciding whether to withdraw from a course.
Your academic advisor may be very helpful as they can give you some insight into the course you are struggling with in terms of the overall picture of your major requirements, which can be helpful as you make your decision.
There are several offices and pieces of information you should consider during the decision process that may have an impact on you academically or financially.
If you are planning on completing an authorized withdrawal, remember the window: between the fourth and last week of classes. To submit a withdrawal request online:
Phillips Hall
801 22nd St. NW
Suite 107
Washington, DC 20052
202-994-6210
202-994-6213
[email protected]