You should drop or withdraw from a course as soon as you identify you don’t want to take it, or can’t continue with it. Dropping early will help you meet deadlines and make space available so another student can register for the course.
How to drop or withdraw from a course
You can drop a registered course before the add/drop deadline. After this date, you must follow the instructions to withdraw from the course with a “W” on your academic record.
Dropping a course will remove your registration, and your seat will become available for other students. If you want to register in a different section of the same course, you should swap your course section so you do not lose your seat.
Considerations
To be considered a full-time Arts student, you need to be registered in at least 9 credits per term.
If you are required to maintain a minimum course load due to funding, study permit criteria, housing, athletics, or awards and scholarships, make sure you are aware of how many credits you must be registered in before you drop a course.
Speak with your Enrolment Services Advisor about any potential financial implications of dropping or withdrawing from a course.
Course drop and withdrawal deadlines
Drop deadlines allow you to drop a course without financial penalty or any notation on your transcript. Drop deadlines generally occur in the first month of each term.
After the drop deadline, you can withdraw from a course up to the withdrawal deadline. You’ll have to pay for at least part of the course, and will see a “W” on your transcript.
What does a withdrawal mean academically?
A withdrawal does not detract from your academic record, but does result in a “W” standing. A withdrawal on your transcript indicates that you have attempted a course and have chosen to withdraw from it within university guidelines. A withdrawal is not calculated into your overall GPA or continuation evaluation.
If you are applying to other schools or graduate programs, you should contact the respective organization for information on how they might regard withdrawals on transcripts.
UBC faculties, graduate, and professional programs state that a withdrawal on a student’s record conveys no useful admissions-related information. These programs are interested in the courses you’ve actually completed and the grades earned.
What if I miss the withdrawal deadline?
You are not permitted to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline unless you qualify for academic concession.
If you remain registered in the course past the withdrawal deadline, and do not qualify for academic concession, you are committed to completing the course.