Drop/Add, Withdrawals, and Refunds
Know the impact of drop/add and withdrawal
Drop/Add vs. Withdrawal
Dropping a course before the end of the free add/drop period, removes the course from a student's schedule and they are not financially responsible for that course; the course does not appear on a transcript.
Withdrawing from a course means a student is financially responsible for the course and a grade of "W" will appear on a transcript. A grade of "W" on a transcript impacts credit completion rate but will not impact a GPA (Grade Point Average).
Log into eServices to find specific course drop/add/withdrawal dates under View/modify course schedule.
Drop/Add Dates and Information
Dropping a course before the end of the free add/drop period, removes the course from a student's schedule and they are not financially responsible for that course; the course does not appear on a transcript. After that date, it is a withdrawal with a grade of "W" and students have a financial obligation for the course(s).
Dropping all or some courses before the end of the free add/drop period will result in a reduction of the tuition charges for the course(s). Likewise, adding a course during this time frame will result in the addition of those related charges to your student account.
Important Add/Drop Dates
Visit "View/modify Course Schedule" on eServices for dates specific to each of your courses.
Withdrawals
A student may withdraw from a course or courses without special permission after the drop/add period and before the withdrawal deadline.
Financial Impact
Withdrawing from a course means a student is financially responsible for the course and a grade of "W" will appear on a transcript. A grade of "W" on a transcript impacts credit completion rate but will not impact a GPA (Grade Point Average).
Total vs. Partial Withdrawal
Total Withdrawal means withdrawing from all registered courses while a partial withdrawal means only withdrawing from one or some of registered courses.
Withdrawal deadline dates display for all courses within eServices. After login, choose “View/modify course schedule” and “Last Dates to Drop/Withdraw” will display with a clock icon. Hovering over the clock will display a message with the deadline dates. Withdrawal deadline dates can also be viewed by clicking on “Print Schedule” in the top right corner. This will open a window which displays your course schedule with a column indicating the withdrawal deadline dates for the course(s) in which you are registered.
Financial Impact
Withdrawing from all courses may result in a financial obligation to the University if you are living in the residence halls or receiving a grant, scholarship, loan, or other financial aid. Contact the Business Services, AS-123 for further information.
For part-term courses, the withdrawal must be processed before 80% of the class meeting days have elapsed.
Withdrawal from courses after the withdrawal deadline requires completion of the Late Enrollment Change Request form. Please see the Course Enrollment, Drop and Withdrawal Policy for more information or to access this form.
Contact the Office of Records and Registration or further information about late withdrawals.
Refunds or Reduction in Charges
Fall and Spring Terms
For students who withdraw from ALL classes for fall or spring semester, refunds are according to the following schedule:
| Refund Percentage | Fall and Spring Terms |
|---|---|
| 100% refund | First week of term |
| 75% refund with a W | Second week of term |
| 50% refund with a W | Third week of term |
| 25% refund with a W | Fourth week of term |
| No refund after | After fourth week of term |
Summer Sessions
Summer is considered one term. For students who withdraw from ALL classes for the entire term (intersession, first summer session and second summer session) refunds are according to the following schedule:
| Refund Percentage | Sessions less than 3 weeks | Sessions between 3 and 10 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 100% refund | 1st Business Day of Term | 1st and 2nd Business Day of Term |
| 100% refund with a W | -- | 3rd through 5th Business of Day of Term |
| 75% refund with a W | None | None |
| 50% refund with a W | 2nd and 3rd Business Day of Term | 6th through 10th Business Day of Term |
| 25% refund with a W | None | None |
| No refund after | 3rd Business Day of Term | 10th Business Day of Term |
Some online/distance learning student courses require the payment of Student Union/Activity fees defined as: Student Union Operating, Student Union Debt Service, Student Activities, Health Services, Athletics, Students United, and Technology fees.
Students who live out of state and are taking only online courses are eligible for a waiver of all the above fees except for the Students United and Technology fees. Complete and submit the Online-Distant Learning Fee Waiver Request Form for Out of State Students (PDF).
Interns and student teachers may apply for a rebate of a portion of student union and activities fees they have paid if their duty station is located more than fifty (50) miles from St. Cloud (as defined by the State of Minnesota Mileage Chart).
Download the rebate form and return to Business Services, AS-123, no later than the final day of the semester.