Withdrawing From Class

Withdrawing From a Class

You can drop a class without receiving a W during the first two weeks of a 12-week quarter. (During summer session, the deadline will vary depending on the course.) After that, if you leave a class before the end of the quarter (or the end of summer session), you may receive one of the following nonevaluative marks on your transcript. 

Incomplete: I

This mark is given when academic work is incomplete for unforeseeable, emergency and justifiable reasons at the end of the term. At least 75% of the class must have been completed to qualify for Incomplete status.

Withdrawal: W

A W is assigned when students drop a class during the third through ninth week of a regular 12-week quarter – or, for a shorter term like summer session, between the dates on which the course has met for 20% and 75% of its duration. (After 75% of the course duration, students will receive an evaluative grade such as A through F or Pass/No Pass, except in documented extenuating circumstances.)

A mark of W will not be used in calculating GPA. However:

• It will be a factor in probation and dismissal procedures.
• It will also apply in calculating enrollment limits: A student may not enroll in the same course more than three times, including times when they received a W or substandard grades.

Excused Withdrawal: EW

An EW is assigned when a student is permitted to withdraw from a course due to specific events beyond the student’s control, which affect their ability to complete the course. The EW symbol may be assigned at any time after the deadline to drop a course without a W. 

• An EW will not be used in calculating GPA or units attempted.
• An EW will not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations.
• An EW will not apply against limits on the number of withdrawals or limits on repeating a class.

There are two procedures for requesting an EW, depending on whether the request is for the current quarter or summer session, or for a past quarter or summer session. The college will assign a grade if the required procedure is not followed.

Important: Students requesting an excused withdrawal should understand that it may affect their financial aid or other benefits if the withdrawal causes them to drop below a minimum number of units required. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office to learn how this might affect them. 

Requesting an EW for the Current Quarter

• Find the Excused Withdrawal Petition for CURRENT Quarter on the Admissions Student Forms webpage.
• The student should make an appointment to meet with a counselor.
• The student and counselor together will complete the Petition for Current Quarter, including a written explanation of extenuating circumstances that led the student to withdraw from class.
• The completed petition must be submitted before the end of the current quarter.

Requesting an EW for a Past Quarter

• Find the Excused Withdrawal Petition for PAST Quarter on the Admissions Student Forms webpage.
• The student must complete the Petition for Past Quarter, including a written explanation of extenuating circumstances that led the student to withdraw from class.
• The student must also attach documentation of a verifiable reason for the withdrawal.
• Students are not required to meet with a counselor but they may do so for more information or assistance.
• The completed petition and documentation can be submitted any time after the quarter when the class was taken.

Military Withdrawal: MW

An MW is assigned when a student who is a member of an active or reserve U.S. military service receives orders compelling them to withdraw from a course. Upon verification of such orders, an MW will be assigned at any time after the deadline to drop a course without a W.

• An MW will not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations.
• An MW will not apply against limits on the number of withdrawals or limits on repeating a class.
• In some cases, at the student's request, the college may issue a refund of enrollment fees for an MW