The Late Withdrawal process exists to assist students who experience significant academic issues, severe medical, mental health, or personal circumstances that negatively impact their ability to be academically successful. This is an academic forgiveness policy that can replace grades of D, F, FX, or IN, with a WA.
Please note: The student is still responsible for tuition charges for any course(s) in which they receive a late withdrawal.
Decision-making for Late Withdrawals resides within the Office of the University Registrar. The following principles underlie the decision-making process:
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.
Overview
A late withdrawal can be requested after the last day to withdraw from classes for the quarter (see the academic calendar). A student who is approved for a Late Withdrawal will see a "WA" on their transcript for the courses in which they are administratively withdrawn.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 a D, F, FX, or 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.
During their college career, students are allowed a maximum of 2 (two) Late Withdrawals of which one must be of a medical nature. Each request may be for only 1 (one) 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 The Office of the University Registrar 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.
The Process
Whether you attended or participated in your course(s) to any degree or never attended or participated, the Late Withdrawal online form should be used. Students with a status that prevents them from accessing the online form can use the Late Withdrawal pdf and submit via email to admwdrl@depaul.edu along with supporting documentation. All requests must be submitted by the following deadlines. Please note that in the event that you don't have Adobe, you'll have to print the form, fill it out and send it to the email mentioned in this paragraph.
For Undergraduate/Graduate: (see the academic calendar for specific dates)
- Fall Quarter: Official end of term for the subsequent Winter quarter.
- Winter Quarter: Official end of term for the subsequent Spring quarter.
- Spring Quarter: The end of the second week of the subsequent Autumn quarter.
- Summer Terms: Official end of term for the subsequent Autumn quarter.
For the College of Law:
- Fall Semester: Official end of term for the subsequent Spring semester.
- Spring Semester: The end of the second week of the subsequent Autumn semester.
- Summer Semester: Official end of term for the subsequent Autumn semester.
First-year law students filing an late withdrawal appeal in the Fall or Spring Semester must request withdrawal from all classes.
Documentation
Students are required to provide a description and details about the circumstances for the request. Supporting documentation is helpful in all cases but required for medical and death situations. In medical situations documentation can be in the form of a doctor's note (must include letterhead and a signature) or medical records. In death situations an obituary or death certificate are acceptable. Below are examples of eligible and ineligible crisis and hardships situations as well as examples of sufficient and insufficient medical documentation.
Eligible crisis and hardships including but not limited to (with proper documentation):
- Serious illness or injury
- Chronic illness
- 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
Sufficient documentation example (medical)
Insufficient documentation example(medical)
Please review the FAQs section below and If you have further questions about the process, send questions to admwdrl@depaul.edu
Frequently Asked Questions: