COLUMN: Clarity in registration will save from headaches
Question:
When is the last day I can adjust my class schedule?
Answer:
Students should have their class schedules set by the end of the second day of classes. Although adding and dropping can continue, you begin losing percentages of your refund on the third day of the term. Instruction begins immediately and if you are not in class because you are still adjusting your schedule, you will start the term in “catch-up” mode – not a good beginning.
When adjusting your schedule there are three dates of which to be aware: refund dates, add dates, and drop dates. These dates do not necessarily coincide. For clarification, I will discuss each separately.
Refund Dates: The refund schedule is printed on Page 18 of the Fall Schedule of Classes. There is a 100 percent tuition refund for classes dropped up through the second day of the term. Classes dropped during the remainder of the first week will receive a 90 percent tuition refund. From Sept. 2 through Sept. 8, the tuition refund is 70 percent. There is a 50 percent tuition refund for classes dropped from Sept. 9 through Sept. 15. Course fees will be refunded at 100 percent through Sept. 15. After Sept. 15, there will be no refund on tuition and/or course fees.
It is important for students to realize that the above refund schedule applies to all courses being dropped, regardless of whether you add courses and/or maintain the same total credits.
Add Dates: After the first week of the term, the instructor’s signature is required for all courses and/or labs/recitations being added. This is because some courses move at a pace that prevents students from being able to catch up after missing the first week of classes. The last day to add courses with an instructor’s signature is Sept. 15. After that date, a Petition for Late Add must be submitted along with documentation of extenuating circumstances. Students should know that very few of these petitions are approved. Please note that Sept. 15 is also the last day to add an audit. The last day to change a course to the pass/fail option is Oct. 23.
Drop Dates: a couple of years ago, the Associated Students of Utah State University proposed a revised drop policy. This policy was approved by the Faculty Senate and became effective last fall term. According to the new policy, students may drop classes up through Sept. 15 without notation on the transcript. From Sept. 16 through Oct. 23, students may still drop classes via the QUAD or in our office but will receive a “W” grade for that course. The course and grade will appear on the transcript but will not figure in the grade point average. In order to drop from Oct. 24 through Nov. 9, students must submit a Late Drop form signed by their adviser. Courses dropped during this period will reflect a “WF” grade unless the instructor submits a different grade to replace the “F” portion. Again, this will appear on the transcript but will not be used to calculate the grade point average. Absolutely no drops will be allowed after Nov. 9.
Please note that a student cannot drop his last course without withdrawing completely from the university. Students who completely withdraw must re-apply to the university should they desire to return. A complete withdrawal may be done at any point during the term except during finals week. To request a complete withdrawal, students with financial aid must begin the process in the Financial Aid Office. International students must begin the process in the Office for International Students and Scholars. All other students should come to the Registrar’s Office. Please note that courses dropped through the complete withdrawal process will be reflected on the transcript according to the timeline for regular drops (i.e.: “W” or “WF”).
Each of these deadlines is firm and can be found on Page 3 of the Fall Schedule of Classes. Every semester I talk to students who received an “F” for a class they thought they dropped or did the work to earn an “A” only to find out they were never registered. Don’t let this happen to you. Take a minute now (certainly before Sept. 15) to look at your schedule. Make sure that it reflects your intent. Double check the sections, the number of credits and the instructor to make sure you are attending the classes for which you are registered. Proper registration is your responsibility. Take a proactive approach now and avoid the frustrating consequences of an incorrect registration.
If you have questions about your registration, please don’t hesitate to come into the Registrar’s Office (TSC, Room 246).
Heidi Jo Beck is the associate registrar. Comments can be directed to the Registrar’s Office or register@cc.usu.edu.