NEED TO WITHDRAW? CONSIDER THE FACTS

1. What’s the difference between withdrawing, taking an educational leave, and dropping?

A “withdrawal” occurs when a student registers for a class or classes, andafter registering, formally requests to withdraw from all classes for the term.

A student who has not yet registered for a given term who wants to take a break from school without losing catalog rights or registration eligibility takes an “Educational Leave.” Educational Leaves for undergraduates, second bachelor’s students, and unclassified post-baccalaureate students are granted upon request to those who are eligible to register for a given term, but have not yet done so. They can be taken for up to one year, and then, upon request, extended for as long much as one additional year. Students who are pursuing a master’s degree or a postgraduate credential program need to obtain approval signatures in order to take an educational leave. To request an educational leave, please contact the Academic Information and Referral (AIR) Center, 707.826.4101, SBS 133, email air@humboldt.edu.

A student who wants to withdraw from a class, but not all classes, should consult the Class Schedule/Registration Guide or contact the AIR Center for deadlines and procedures regarding “drops.”

2. How do I withdraw?

There are several ways to withdraw from a semester. The preferred method is to start at the AIR Center, SBS 133 to request a “Withdrawal from the University” form. You will then speak with an advisor with whom you can discuss your academic options, then with Financial Aid staff which you will and Student Financial Services (SFS) where you will submit the form. Your withdrawal is effective from the date you received the form from the AIR Center, provided you return it to SFS within three business days.

OR, If it ’s not possible for you to come to campus you may mail or FAX a signed and dated letter indicating you wish to withdraw from the semester. Include your full name, your HSU ID number, a good contact phone number and email address. If you ever attended class or classes during the term, clearly state your last date of attendance (i.e. the last date you were physically present in class, or that you never attended any classes if that’s the case) . Fax the letter to the Office of the Registrar, 707.826.6194 or send it to Humboldt State University, Office of the Registrar, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata, CA 95521. Your withdrawal will be effective on the date we receive your letter. Financial Aid, Student Financial Services, Housing and Advising will each be notified of your withdrawn status.

OR, up until the last day to drop classes via WebReg (usually the fourth week of classes-check the current Schedule of Classes for exact dates and late drop fees) you may drop all of your classes on the web, and then fax or mail a letter, as described above. The effective date of your withdrawal is the date you drop dropped all your classes on the web.

3. How will the withdrawal appear on my transcript?

If you withdraw before the end of the first four weeks of classes you will have the date of withdrawal appear on your transcript. If you withdraw after the end of the first four weeks, the date of withdrawal is posted and courses will appear with a grade of “W.” The “W” has no effect on your grade point average. It is important, however, when withdrawing after the fourth week to notify each instructor that you have withdrawn from the term, as they have the right to override the W with another grade.

4. Should I notify my instructors and my advisor?

If you withdraw before the end of the first week of classes, there is no need to notify class instructors. After that, though, please do so either in-person, by phone or email. It is always a good idea to consult with your advisor regarding any action that affects your academic progress. If you haven’t already sought his/her consultation, let him/her know that you’ve withdrawn.

5. What about tuition and fees?

You may be eligible for a refund--it depends on when you withdraw. If you withdraw before the first day of instruction, you will have all your fees refunded, except a $27 administrative fee. If you withdraw on or after the first date of instruction but before 60% of the term (check the Schedule of Classes for each semester’s 60% date) you will receive a refund that is calculated using a pro-rated formula derived from the number of calendar days you were enrolled and the number of days in the entire term. The refund will be automatically calculated after your withdrawal and either mailed to you, or, if your fees were paid through financial aid, returned to the appropriate financial aid program.

6. What about Financial Aid?

If you receive financial aid, you should consult with a financial aid staff member about how your withdrawal affects your award. When withdrawing in person, you have the opportunity to do so when routing your withdrawal form. When withdrawing by fax or letter, the financial aid office is officially notified, but you’ll need to contact them personally for details. Call 707.826.4321 or email them at finaid@humboldt.edu

7. What about Housing?

If you are living in the on-campus residence halls, please contact Housing at 707.826.3451 to notify them of your withdrawal and obtain accurate information regarding payments, penalties, and/or refunds.

8. What if I’m scheduled to graduate at the end of the term, but now that I’m withdrawing I won’t finish my last requirements?

Change your expected graduation date by filling out a “Degree Check Update Request” available on-line or at the AIR Center. It should be submitted and submitting to the AIR Center.

9. After I withdraw, how do I register for next term?

The Registrar’s Office will send you an email (in late March for summer, fall registration, in early November for spring registration) inviting you to register with all other continuing students. At that time you will be given access to the information you need (registration appointment time and access code) to register on-line. We recommend you meet with your advisor before registering to review your academic plans. KEEP YOUR EMAIL, PHONE, and ADDRESS current on WebReg!

10. What if I’m not ready to return to school next term?

That’s where we turn full circle and go back to the first question--you’ll want to request an educational leave.

11. More Questions?

Contact the Advising Center, SBS 295, 707.826.5224, advise@humboldt.edu