An "administrative withdrawal" now called Late Withdrawal allows students who are facing specific documented hardships and crises (below) to be withdrawn from classes at DePaul after the deadline passes for a standard withdrawal (week 7, LAW week 8). A student who is approved for an Late Withdrawal will have a "WA" shown on their transcripts for the courses in which they are administratively withdrawn. Late Withdrawals may be processed during a term before grades are posted or after a term has ended. If the term has ended, then the student must have received an F, Fx, INC in the class to be eligible to receive a "WA" for that class. Students who have their degree conferred are not eligible for an administrative withdrawal. Please review the Graduation, Degree Conferral Policy for more information.
Eligible crisis and hardships including but not limited to (with proper documentation)
* Serious illness or injury
* Chronic illiness
* Mental health concerns
* A medical issue of a family member in which student has to assume caretaking responsibilities
* A death in the family
Ineligible crisis and hardships including but not limited to
* Travel issues and delays that impact course attendance
* Jobs/internships
* Incarceration
Decision-making for Late Withdrawals resides within the OneDePaul Office. These principles underlie the decision-making processes:
1. All policies are driven by academic concerns.
2. Decisions are guided by the best interests of the students.
3. Decisions will be made in compliance with federal regulations.
Requests for Late Withdrawals from one or more courses in a given quarter must be submitted to the OneDePaul office by using the Late Withdraw online form. All requests must be submitted by the following deadlines.
For Undergraduate/Graduate:
- Fall Quarter: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent winter quarter.
- Winter Quarter: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent spring quarter.
- Spring Quarter: The end of the second week of the subsequent autumn quarter.
- Summer Terms: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent autumn quarter.
For the College of Law:
- Fall Semester: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent spring semester.
- Spring Semester: The end of the second week of the subsequent autumn semester.
- Summer Semester: Last day of the last final exam of the subsequent autumn semester.
During their college career, students may be allowed a maximum of 2 Late Withdrawals of which one must be of a medical nature. Each request may be for only 1 term of classwork. Classes with grades of C- or higher will not be considered for Late Withdrawal.
The Late Withdrawal process is an academic process only. The Late Withdrawal process does not address tuition charges, refunds, or credits, nor financial aid issues. Questions regarding the financial implications of a Late Withdrawal must be directed to OFA_AdmWdrl@depaul.edu.
Students who withdraw from classes through the Late Withdrawal process or through any other withdrawal process because they are facing a significant financial or physical hardship should speak with someone at OneDePaul to discuss ways in which the student's debt may be limited and how DePaul may be able to assist the student if the student chooses to re-enroll. The student should also review the appeal forms on the financial aid website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is a Late Withdrawal the same as an Administrative Withdrawal?
Late Withdrawal is the new name for Adminsitative Withdrawal and if granted, it will apprear on your transcriptas "WA."
Do I need faculty permission to get a Late Withdrawal (Administrative Withdrawal)?
No, the faculty member's permission is not required for approval.
How does a Late Withdrawal impact my grade point average?
If your Late Withdrawal appeal is approved, you will receive a grade of “WA” for the courses from which you are being withdrawn. The grade of “WA” is not calculated into your grade point average. However, if you participate in the federal, state, or need-based institutional financial aid programs, you should be aware that all withdrawal grades are considered to be not successfully completed, and have the potential to negatively impact Satisfactory Academic Progress. You are encouraged to contact OneDePaul directly if you have concerns about your Satisfactory Academic Progress, prior to submitting an administrative withdrawal request.
Are there any potential negative financial impacts to receiving a Late Withdrawal?
Possibly. If you ceased participation/attendance entirely (meaning you did not complete any courses in the term) and you received federal or state financial aid, your financial aid eligibility will be evaluated to determine the amount of aid you “earned,” and whether any of the financial aid you received must be returned to the U.S. Department of Education or the State of Illinois.
If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, your financial aid may be adjusted:
- Have you received federal or state financial aid for the quarter from which you wish to withdraw?
- Are you withdrawing from all your courses for the quarter?
- Was the last day of your attendance prior to the 60% point in the quarter?
For more information, please see Return of Title IV Aid in financial aid website.
All withdrawal grades affect Satisfactory Academic Progress (see question 3, above) and may affect your time to degree and overall cost of attendance. Please see Withdrawal From Classes in the financial aid website for more information on the effects of withdrawals.
If you have further questions about the financial impact, please feel free to contact OneDePaul directly for guidance.
How will I be informed if my Late Withdrawal request is approved?
Once you have submitted your Late Withdrawal request please allow up to 4 weeks for your application to be reviewed. You will be contacted directly if any information is missing or if the withdrawal review committee has any questions about your request, therefore it is important to make sure your contact information is up to date. If your request is approved you will receive an email from the OneDePaul informing you of the decision and to allow up to four weeks for your record to be updated in Campus Connect.
Can I apply for more than one Late Withdrawal or a withdrawal past the designated deadline?
Per policy, an Late Withdrawal can be granted only twice per student per academic career. However, exceptions may be made to this policy as required by law or as deemed appropriate in consultation with the Office of Academic Affairs. Each subsequent request is managed on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. I receive Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits at DePaul.
Will the Late Withdrawal impact VA Education Benefits?
If you receive VA benefits and are seeking a Late Withdrawal, you should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs at 312-362-5656 or veteransaffairs@depaul.edu to determine the impact a Late Withdrawal may have on your VA benefits prior to submitting an appeal.
What if I never attended any of my courses?
If you never attended any of the courses you were registered for (either in person or online), your tuition charges and all financial aid credits may be removed from your account. You should work with your academic advisor on a record correction instead of completing the Late Withdrawal form. Faculty members will be contacted to confirm that you never attended or participated.
Does the Late Withdrawal process include a tuition refund or credit?
The Late Withdrawal process is an academic process only. The Late Withdrawal process does not address tuition charges, refunds, or credits; nor financial aid issues. Questions regarding the financial implications of the Late Withdrawal or request for tuition relief must be directed to OFA_AdmWdrl@depaul.edu. Students are encouraged to submit a narrative of their circumstances and provide supporting documentation. Students are also welcome to email OFA_AdmWdrl@depaul.edu if they have withdrawn from courses on their own and are not eligible for a Late Withdrawal. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee financial relief.