ABSENCES, WITHDRAWALS AND RE-ENROLLMENT
The information below is for undergraduate students. Graduate students should refer to the Graduate School website for related policies and procedures.
Student success is a priority at UMBC. While the University takes every effort to ensure that students make consistent academic progress and complete a degree(s) in a timely fashion, it is recognized that individual circumstances may change and in some cases student’s work on a degree may be interrupted.
Should an undergraduate student find himself or herself in a position in which an interruption is necessary (i.e., class absence, course/term withdrawal, or break in enrollment) they should promptly review the information provided below and consult with an academic advisor. Such interruptions should only be considered by a student in exceptional circumstances to avoid delays in degree completion. Students should consider such interruptions carefully, as they may have academic and/or financial implications.
CLASS ABSENCES
Circumstances may occur that cause a student to be absent from class. For individual or very short term absences, students should contact their instructors as soon as possible to determine a plan of action. In the event of an extended absence, the student should consult with their course instructor and academic advisor to explore options such as an incomplete grade or a course/term withdrawal.
INCOMPLETE GRADE
Students with extended absences near the end of a semester may consider requesting an incomplete grade from the course instructor under exceptional circumstances for course work that is qualitatively satisfactory but, for reasons beyond the student’s control, cannot be completed by the end of the semester.
Students may refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for more information about the Incomplete Grading Policy.
COURSE/TERM WITHDRAWAL
A student may find it necessary to withdraw from a course, or in exceptional circumstances, from the entire term. Although this may occur for a variety of reasons (medical situation, family emergency, etc.), the process for withdrawal is the same.
To withdraw from individual courses or to withdraw from the entire term prior to the published Last Day to Drop a Class with a “W” (see Academic Calendar):
- Log in to myUMBC
- Go to your Profile, and then Registration
- Select Student Schedule & Registration
- Select the Drop tab and place a check mark next to each course that you wish to drop. Then, select the button labeled “Drop Selected Classes”
After the published Last Day to Drop a Class with a “W” (see Academic Calendar) students cannot withdraw from individual courses. To withdraw from the entire term, students must submit a Help Ticket to the Registrar’s Office using myUMBC:
- Log into your myUMBC account
- Locate the “Help” tab in the upper left corner and select “Request Help”
- On the Help Resources topics page, under “Classes and Grades” click on “Registration”
- In the subject of the Help Ticket, include “Withdraw From Entire Term,” complete your message and submit the ticket.
- Once this ticket is received, the Registrar’s Office will process your request within two business days (as of the date of your request).
IMPLICATIONS OF COURSE/TERM WITHDRAWAL
Students should understand that withdrawing from a course or the entire term may have academic and/or financial consequences. Depending upon the time of the semester that the withdrawal occurs, there may or may not be a refund of tuition. Students receiving assistance (such as financial aid, scholarships, or veteran benefits) should understand the impact on the aid before withdrawing.
Withdrawing from a course or the entire term will result in grade(s) of W. Grades of W have no impact on your GPA at UMBC. However, withdrawing from a course does count as attempt in the course repeat policy and may adversely impact a student’s ability to retake the course or remain in a major/minor/certificate program.
Withdrawing may have other ramifications. Before withdrawing, students should understand the affect that it may have on matters such as housing and meal plan contracts and obligations; athletic and international student eligibility; as well as health and auto insurance plans.
UMBC welcomes eligible students who wish to re-enroll to complete their bachelor’s degree.
Returning After A Voluntary Break in Enrollment
One Semester Break in Enrollment
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as undergraduates who have voluntarily interrupted continuous registration for only one semester are eligible to return to the university. For example, students enrolled in Fall 2013 who completed the semester (or subsequently withdrew from the semester), and did not enroll for the Spring 2014 semester, are eligible to return to UMBC for the Fall 2014 semester.
In anticipation of your return, the university will automatically assign you a registration appointment during the university’s Advance Registration period. Therefore, upon return to the university, students should immediately meet with their departmental academic advisor to review their academic history, discuss their academic plans and develop a proposed class schedule. The advisor will then issue an electronic registration clearance that will permit students to register during their assigned registration appointment period.
Two or More Semester Break in Enrollment (Good Academic Standing) – Apply for Readmission
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as undergraduates who have voluntarily interrupted continuous registration for two regulars semesters, must apply for readmission through the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Orientation. For example, students enrolled in Fall 2013 who completed the semester (or subsequently withdrew from the semester), and did not enroll in for the Spring 2014 semester and the Fall 2014 semester, must apply for re-enrollment to be eligible to return to UMBC.
Student should apply early in order to take full advantage of advising, registration and course availability.
Upon being officially readmitted to the university, students should immediately arrange to meet with their department academic advisor to review their academic history, discuss their academic plans and develop a proposed class schedule. The advisor will then issue an electronic registration clearance that will permit students to register during the university’s General Registration period.
Two or More Semester Break in Enrollment (Not in Good Academic Standing) – Apply for Reinstatement
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as undergraduates who have voluntarily interrupted continuous enrollment for two or more semesters and were not in good academic standing (cumulative GPA below 2.0), must apply for reinstatement through the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Orientation. For example, students with cumulative GPA below 2.0 who were enrolled in Fall 2013 who completed the semester (or subsequently withdrew from the semester), and did not enroll in the Spring 2014 semester and the Fall 2014 semester, must apply for readmission to be eligible to return to UMBC.
Students should apply early in order to take full advantage of advising, registration and course availability. All applications for reinstatement are subject to Petition Board review.
Upon being officially reinstated to the university, students should immediately arrange to meet with their departmental academic advisor to review their academic history, discuss their academic plans and develop a proposed class schedule. The advisor will then issue an electronic registration clearance that will permit students to register during the university’s General Registration period.
Returning After An Involuntary Break in Enrollment (Academic or Judicial Suspension) – Apply for Reinstatement
Students previously enrolled at UMBC as undergraduates who were suspended from the university for academic or judicial reasons, must meet the terms of their suspension (as outlined in their suspension notification) before being eligible to return to the university. Students on academic suspension should confer with the Office of Academic and Pre-professional Advising to clarify the terms of their suspension. Likewise, students on judicial suspension should confer with the Office of Student Judicial Programs to clarify the terms of their suspension. Upon meeting the terms of their suspension, students must apply for reinstatement through the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Orientation.
Students should apply early in order to take full advantage of advising, registration and course availability. All applications for reinstatement are subject to Petition Board review.
Upon being officially reinstated to the university, students should immediately arrange to meet with their departmental academic advisor to review their academic history, discuss their academic plans and develop a proposed class schedule. The advisor will then issue an electronic registration clearance that will permit students to register during the university’s General Registration period.
FAQ
What are the advantages to withdrawing?
Withdrawing from a class results in a “W” on the student’s transcript. The “W” has no effect on the student’s GPA (Grade Point Average). If you are struggling academically due to extenuating circumstance, this option may be the best solution.
What are the disadvantages to withdrawing?
Though there are valid reasons to withdraw from a course you will need to investigate the financial and academic implications. Withdrawing from classes may have an impact on financial aid, tuition refunds, housing and graduation plans.
What are things to consider before deciding whether to withdraw?
- Consult with your Academic Advisor regarding your educational plan
- Contact Student Business Services to review the financial implications
- Contact Financial Aid Office to review the implications for financial aid
- If living on campus, contact Residential Life to discuss housing implications
- Consult with a Career Counselor to review career goals
How do I request a medical withdrawal?
A withdrawal is processed in the same way, regardless of reason. That is, each course(s) for which a student has withdrawn will be noted on the transcript with a “W” for withdrawn.
What other options are available to me if I am unable to complete the coursework but wish not to withdraw from the course?
If you are close to finishing your coursework for the semester, you may contact your professor to inquire about receiving an incomplete (I) grade. See incomplete grade. If an incomplete grade option is not possible, withdrawing may be the best choice. Before deciding, review the sections above titled “Course/Term Withdrawal” and “Implications of Course/Term Withdrawal” and consult with your instructor and your academic advisor.
How can I assist a family member who may need to withdraw from the semester but is currently unable to do so or to contact the university on their own behalf?
UMBC recognizes the important role that parents and family members serve in supporting our students’ success. In extenuating circumstances, parents and families are encouraged to contact the Vice President’s Office for Student Affairs at families@umbc.edu or 410-455-2393. The Student Affairs staff is available to provide assistance and connect you with the appropriate campus resource.
How do I apply for a Leave of Absence?
For graduate students, contact gradprogressions@umbc.edu. For undergraduate students, there is no formal leave of absence process; however, you should be certain to formally withdraw from all classes (see “Course/Term Withdrawal” section above). Depending upon the length of your leave, the re-enrollment process is different (see “Re-Enrollment” section above).