FAQ: Course Withdrawal Impacts Based on Different Student Scenarios

1. What happens if I withdraw from a course as a College Credit Plus (CCP) student?

• Impact: CCP students are high school students earning both high school and college credits. Withdrawing from a course could result in a loss of high school credit, potentially affecting graduation. Some high schools may also hold students or families financially responsible for the cost of the withdrawn course.

2. How does withdrawing from a course affect traditional college students (Non-CCP)?

• Impact: A withdrawal ("W") generally does not affect GPA, but it may delay degree completion if the course is a prerequisite for future courses.

3. How could withdrawing from a course impact my VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits as a veteran?

• Impact: Withdrawing from a course can affect your VA benefits. Veterans must often maintain full-time enrollment to receive benefits. Dropping below full-time status could lead to a reduction in benefits or even require repayment of funds already disbursed.

4. How does course withdrawal affect my financial aid?

• Impact: Financial aid, such as Pell Grants or student loans, often requires maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and full-time enrollment. A withdrawal may reduce your enrollment status, potentially leading to a reduction or loss of aid and may negatively affect your SAP, possibly requiring an appeal to continue receiving aid.

5. What happens if I withdraw from a course in a lockstep program?

• Impact: In lockstep programs, courses are taken in a specific sequence with a cohort. Withdrawing from a course may cause you to fall out of sync with your cohort, delaying your program completion by a semester or even a year, especially if the course is only offered once a year.

6. Will withdrawing from a course affect my scholarship eligibility?

• Impact: Many scholarships require students to maintain a minimum number of credit hours or GPA. Withdrawing may drop you below the required credit hours, putting your scholarship at risk or potentially requiring you to repay scholarship funds.

7. How does a withdrawal affect students on academic probation?

• Impact: Students on academic probation often need to complete a certain number of credits or meet a specific GPA to regain good standing. Withdrawing from a course may hinder your ability to meet these requirements, potentially leading to suspension or dismissal.

8. Should I withdraw from a course if my current grade is failing?

• Impact: If you are failing the course, withdrawing may be better than receiving a failing grade since a "W" does not affect your GPA. However, if you are close to passing, it may be possible to improve with additional effort, and a withdrawal might not be necessary.

9. Does the amount of the course grade left to be earned impact whether I should withdraw?

• Impact: If a significant portion of the course grade is still available to earn, you may be able to recover your grade with extra effort. However, if most of the grade is already determined and you are failing, a withdrawal may be a more logical option.

10. What if my instructor allows late work? Should I still consider withdrawing?

• Impact: Some instructors allow late submissions for partial credit or have flexible policies, which may give you a chance to pass without withdrawing. However, if your instructor has a strict no-late-work policy and you have missed critical assignments, withdrawal may be a better option.

11. Could repeated course withdrawals affect my future opportunities?

• Impact: Yes, repeated withdrawals on your transcript could raise concerns with future employers or graduate programs, as they might interpret multiple withdrawals as a sign of lack of academic commitment or difficulty handling coursework.