FAQs

The Office of Student Assistance and Support Services recommends that students, along with their main support person, review these frequently asked questions to aid in their understanding of withdrawal processes and any implications of withdrawing with extenuating circumstances.

What implications might I face if I do a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances

All students who are approved for a withdrawal with extenuating circumstance may be subject to fees and/or charges via housing, dining and/or financial. It is the students responsibility to communciate directly with these offices to asses what charges may be assigned. Students are responsible for 100% of any fees/charges.

What qualifies for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstance (WE)?

A Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances is for students who are unable to complete their coursework for the current term due to a circumstance that may include, but not be limited to:

Personal/Family Emergency:

Death in the family to include significant other, child, sibling, parent, grandparent(s) and/or request to care for a seriously ill child or other immediate family member.

Personal Hardship:

Homelessness, divorce, fire and/ or flooding of residence.

Medical (Physical and/or Mental Health):

Situations due to physical health and/or psychological circumstances. 

Military Orders:

For students who are ordered to report to any circumstance surrounding military duty (active duty, training, etc.).

Reasons which do not meet criteria:

**Please note that the following situations may not qualify for a WE in and of themselves. If you have questions on whether or not your situation falls under criteria, please call Student Assistance and Support Services.**

  • Poor performance in coursework
  • Not wanting to use the 16 self withdrawal credits
  • Missed deadlines, including the add/drop deadline or self-withdrawal deadline for a given term
  • Change of major or no longer meeting the academic requirements of your major
  • Dropping courses to avoid failing grades
  • Work or job responsibilities that impact class attendance
  • Probationary standing
What is the approval process for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances?

A Full Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances request is reviewed by the Withdrawal Committee, which is made up of various campus partners and chaired by SASS. Decisions are made once the request form is submitted along with supporting documentation and the student has had consultation with a member of the SASS office. A Partial Withdrawal with Extenuating Circusmtances request is reviewed by the Associate Dean of the student’s academic college. Requests for Partial WEs are filed by SASS on behalf of the student once they have submitted the online request form and the office has received relevant supporting documentation.

I am seeking a withdrawal based on a medical reason(s). What kind of medical documentation are you looking for?

Please review the Health Evaluation Form. The student’s medical provider must complete this form and fax it directly to the Student Assistance and Support Services office. At times, it may be appropriate for a separate letter of support to be included, if the medical provider wishes to include additional information.

Can I pursue individual course withdrawals verses a full-time withdrawal?

Yes. This is a Partial Withdrawal. Please note though, you will need to provide clarification and supporting documentation as to why you are only pursing a course withdrawal verses a full-term withdrawal.

Are there deadlines for submitting a request for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances?

Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances request forms, whether for a Full WE or a Partial WE, must be completed by the student and submitted with the proper documentation to the Student Assistance and Support Services Office by all posted deadlines on our website. Student Assistance and Support Services cannot accept requests once classes have ended and/or grades post.

I have submitted a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances request form, do I need to still attend classes?

Students are encouraged to still attend their classes to the best of their abilities if they are still physically able to. In the event a student’s request is denied, their current grade will remain in place. Students will need to discuss with their medical providers if they are well enough to continue attending until the student’s case is reviewed.

I am in a specialized major, such as nursing. If I am granted a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances, will I be guaranteed a spot in my program when I return?

A Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances does not guarantee your spot in your program. It is up to each individual major/program to make decisions about readmitting students to a specific program who have been granted a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances. It is highly encouraged that you speak to your academic advisor and/or department regarding a withdrawal and any possible implications it may have, prior to submitting a request. If you are in graduate school, it is also recommended that you inquire directly with the Graduate School on how a withdrawal may affect your academic standing/program of study.

If I am approved for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances, who will be notified?

Student Assistance and Support Services notifies the Registrar’s Office, who then processes the withdrawal on the student’s account. We notify all appropriate parties such as Dining Services, University Housing, your faculty, academic advisor and the Associate Dean of your college of your withdrawal, where applicable. We recommend that students follow-up with relevant offices before submitting a withdrawal request to discuss any financial or academic implications.

Why is a hold placed on my student account?

A hold is only placed on a student’s account when approved for a Full Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances. This hold prevents a student from registering for subsequent semesters until they engage in the Petition to Return process. The Petition to Return process ensures a student is ready to return and the reasons for their Full WE have been addressed and/or mitigated.

How do I have the Petition to Return hold lifted off my account?

In order to have the hold removed, you will need to complete the Petition to Return process through Student Assistance and Support Services and be approved to return by the Withdrawal Committee. Please review information on the Petition to Return process, including the online request form, information on supporting documentation, and relevant deadlines specific to this process. 

If I am approved for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances, will it show up on my academic transcript?

Yes. A “WE” will show on your transcript for any courses in which a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances was approved. WEs do not count towards a student’s 16-credit hour self-withdrawal limit. WEs also do not count towards your GPA but do count towards your overall attempted hours at the University. 

I was sick last semester and my academics suffered because of it. Can I apply for a retro-active Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances?

Yes. You will need to complete an Academic Petition for a late withdrawal and indicate on your petition the specific semester of impact. This can be done via the Academic Petition Portal. General information on submitting an Academic Petition can be found here.

I am confused as to whether I should pursue a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances at this time. Can I meet with someone in the Student Assistance and Support Services Office to discuss this?

Absolutely! Please call our main line at (704) 687-0289 to schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director for Withdrawal Services. We strongly encourage that all students schedule an appointment versus walk-ins due to the high volume of cases.

My Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances request was denied. Can I appeal this decision?

Yes. More information can be found here.

Can I request a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances at any point during the term?

The Student Assistance and Support Services office only accepts requests for a Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances through the last day of classes for the current term. Please review the information on a Full or Partial Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances for further instructions on the processes and additional details regarding deadlines.