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Office of the Registrar and Registrar Services

North Foundation Hall, Room 160
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester , MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3450
Text: (248) 368-7944
Fax: (248) 370-2586
[email protected]

Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
If you need an appointment outside of our regular office hours, please contact us.

We are committed to ensuring you're able to access our website. For assistance with technical resources, contact OU's Student Technology Center.

Office of the Registrar and Registrar Services

North Foundation Hall, Room 160
318 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester , MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-3450
Text: (248) 368-7944
Fax: (248) 370-2586
[email protected]

Office Hours:
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
If you need an appointment outside of our regular office hours, please contact us.

We are committed to ensuring you're able to access our website. For assistance with technical resources, contact OU's Student Technology Center.

Drop, Withdraw & Repeat

Considering dropping, withdrawing from or repeating a class? Understand your options and make an informed decision.

If you have an unexpected emergency or catastrophic situation, consult with your 
academic adviser right away.

Calendars

The Implications
Progress to Degree
  • dropping a class could affect your time to degree, and ultimately, the cost of your degree
  • if you drop a course that is a pre-requisite to a course you are registered for the next semester, you will be dropped from the next semester course
  • courses may be repeated a limited number of times after your first attempt; ask your adviser or program coordinator about the repeat rules for your course before registering
  • if you do repeat a course, make sure you approach it differently so you can stay on track with your degree
Financial Implications
  • if you fall below full-time (12 credits for undergraduate students, 8 credits for graduate students), it could affect your financial aid, scholarships, grants or loans
  • if you drop a course before the 100% drop deadline and you have received a financial aid refund, you may need to return a portion of your refund
  • after the 100% drop deadline, you will not receive a refund for the class 
  • if you withdraw from a course, the “W” grade is counted in your attempted credits and could have implications for Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • if you repeat a class more than once, you could experience financial aid implications
  • opportunity to quality for new scholarships
Emotional Toll
  • delay class standing (and affect registration for next year)
  • feeling set back from your degree or goals
Impact on Benefits
  • car insurance
  • housing eligibility
  • visa or other requirements for international students
  • athletic eligibility
  • veteran benefits
Last But Not Least
  • if you repeat a class, the most recent attempt will be the grade you earn unless the most recent attempt is a withdrawal (W grade)
  • you may repeat a course to improve the grade you earned in a prior enrollment, but you must do so at OU
  • you can only receive credit for a course once
  • the repeat course must be taken on the same grading basis (numeric or pass/fail) as the first attempt
  • you can't repeat a course at another school and transfer it back if you earned credit for it at OU
  • you can’t drop a course online if you have a hold; please submit the Registration Request Form
  • you can’t drop a course that has a co-requisite; discuss your options with your academic adviser
The Experts
If you're thinking about dropping, withdrawing from or repeating a course, see your  academic adviser and ask: 
  • How will this impact my schedule next semester?
  • How will this affect my progress to degree?
  • Will this delay my graduation?
Then, talk to a Financial Aid and Scholarships representative and ask: 
  • Will this impact my financial aid?
  • Will this impact my scholarship?
  • Will this impact my student loan?
  • Will I owe a bill?
  • Will this impact my campus job?
As you discuss your options with your academic adviser and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, continue attending class, completing assignments and taking exams. That way, if you decide to stay in the course, you will not be behind.
The Deadlines
If you've spoken with your academic adviser and visited the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss the possible implications of dropping, withdrawing from or repeating a class, consult the calendar for withdrawal dates and other critical deadline dates.

Remember that you must drop classes on MySAIL before 11:59 p.m. If you need further assistance, you can drop classes in-person or by fax to the Office of the Registrar by 4 p.m.
The Nitty Gritty

Dropping Classes
Classes may be dropped by logging into SAIL, following the web registration instructions, and can be processed through the last date to drop, respective to your course’s part of the term. Please review the calendar for a list of important dates, including the deadline to drop a class for 100% tuition refund. If you need assistance dropping a class, you may complete the Registration Request Form. Please note the deadline to drop before completing this form.

Withdrawing from Classes
To officially withdraw from a class, log into SAIL and follow the  web registration instructions. Withdraws can process through the last date to withdraw, respective to your course’s part of the term. Please review the calendar for a list of important dates, including the deadline to withdraw. If you need assistance withdrawing from a class, you may complete the Registration Request Form. Take note of additional facts regarding withdrawals below:

  • Withdrawals assign a W grade to your academic transcript
  • Withdrawals for a W grade do not refund tuition
  • Withdrawals for a W grade do not impact your grade point average
  • Withdrawals for a W grade do impact Satisfactory Academic Progress. Click on Policy #11. Satisfactory Academic Progress to learn more.

Important Note: Simply notifying faculty or ceasing to attend your class(es) does not relieve you from the obligation of officially dropping or withdrawing. If you do not officially drop or withdraw within the respective drop or withdrawal time period, you will remain officially enrolled, charges will remain, and instructors will assign grades as appropriate.

Dropping and Withdrawing Past Deadline
If you encounter a circumstance that's outside of your control which impacts your ability to attend, a Request for Exception may be completed. Please note: A Request for Exception is an appeal to the university to review your request to drop for tuition refund or withdrawal for a W grade after the published deadline. Supporting documentation is required. Please find the information guide and applicable forms on the forms page (located under 'general forms').

Questions regarding dropping and withdrawing from classes can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at (248) 370-3450 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Non-Dischargeable Educational Benefits
By registering for courses or contracting for on campus housing at Oakland University, students acknowledge that they have read and accepted the Student Business Services Terms and Conditions.

Resources
Get back on track with these resources: