Dropping | Adding | Withdrawing from classes
The college’s official schedule revision period ends on the first business day in week two of the semester for the regular 15-week term. Students may make changes to their class schedules (i.e., add or drop classes) at any time prior to the end of the official revision period. For official add, drop, and withdrawal dates tied to five-week, seven-week, eight-week, full semester, and summer sessions, please visit the Center for Student Success website. If a student drops a course before the deadline, the course does not appear on the student’s academic record. Withdrawals appear on the record as W (withdrawal), which may affect compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students are advised to consult with an academic advisor in the Center for Student Success before deciding to withdraw from a class. Failure to attend a class does not equal withdrawal.
Students who are planning to withdraw from a course are encouraged to speak with both Academic Advising and the Center for Student Success prior to withdrawing. Withdrawing from a course can impact the student’s financial standing with the college and can also impact the student’s academic standing.
If a student completely withdraws from courses prior to the 60 percent point of the term (or session if not enrolled for the full term) and was awarded Title IV aid (federal financial aid), they will have their financial aid award prorated based on the last date of attendance. Award adjustments may result in an outstanding student account balance.
For registration dates, please visit www.colum.edu/columbia-central/where-to-start/semester-dates-deadlines.
Late Withdrawals
Columbia College Chicago recognizes there may be significant extenuating and mitigating circumstances affecting students (death of a relative, significant change in personal circumstances, etc.). A student may petition for an administrative withdrawal from classes after the end of the official withdrawal period by submitting a petition supported by appropriate documentation. Questions regarding this process should be addressed to an academic advisor in the Center for Student Success. Petitions for administrative withdrawals are evaluated and approved or denied by the Petition for Exception Committee. Students may appeal a denied petition, and this request will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of SFS, Associate Vice President for Student Success, the Registrar, and Dean of Students. Their joint decision will be final. For further details about administrative withdrawal, visit the Academic Grievance section of the College Catalog.