New policy for dropping class enacted
A new policy for dropping classes has been put into effect this semester.
The old policy, called “Super Drop Policy,” required students to get permission from a faculty member and explain the reason for late drop.
Jeffrey Walters, chairman of the Academic Standards Subcommittee of the Education Policy Committee, said, “Students don’t need anybody’s permission to drop a class.”
According to the Utah State University 2002 General Catalog, students can drop during the first 20 percent of a course without any penalty. So, for regular semester courses, students have 15 days, he said. The old policy allowed five.
James Thomas, a junior majoring in accounting, said he had no idea of the policy change, but thinks it’s better to give students more time without penalty before dropping a class.
If students drop after the first 20 percent of a course, a ‘W’ will be placed on their transcripts. After 60 percent – 45 days for regular semester courses – a “W” plus a grade given by the instructor will be placed on the transcript.
A “W” does not signify a failing grade.
Heidi Beck, associate registrar, said dropping can be done online before 60 percent of a class has been taken.
“Oct. 24 is the last day for the students to drop the class online [this semester],” she said.
Students who drop after 60 percent should inform their instructors in order to get a grade.
“It protects the good students from late drop,” Beck said.
If a student is injured in a car accident, but performed well in the class, he can drop the class late and still get a good grade on his transcript.
After 75 percent of a course, students may not drop.
Walters said, “[In that case,] the only way to drop the class is to drop all the classes.”
The request for revising the old policy was brought to the Academic Standards Subcommittee two years ago. This issue was primarily brought up by the Associated Students of Utah State University, who voiced students’ complaints.
It took a long time to negotiate, mainly between student representatives and faculty senate, and was finally approved by the president of the university last year.
“The new policy represents a compromise between the faculty members and the students,” Beck said.
“There are more levels to the new policy, while it meets the needs of both faculty members and the students,” Beck said.
In the past, after six weeks of a course, students had to ask for a signature from the college dean to drop. Some deans were willing to sign, while others refused.
“Such an inconsistency caused a lot of trouble to both students and the Registration Office,” Beck said.
The new policy provides consistency among the colleges and departments.
It simplifies the paperwork for students and alleviates the workload of the registration staff.
Walter said he hopes the new policy will be viewed by the students, faculty members and working staffs as a more friendly, workable policy.
-leleyang@cc.usu.edu