Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop Course Policy

Note: These drops do NOT count toward the State of Texas 6 drop limit

December 22, 2020

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is extending the withdraw/drop course option to support graduate and undergraduate students as they address the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy allows a student to choose either a traditional letter grading scheme or request a drop/withdraw for one or more of the courses they have taken.

Please also see Frequently Asked Questions below.

 

Procedure

1. The course's current grading scheme remains the default (e.g., Letter grade: A, B, C, D, or F).
   
   
2. Students may choose to drop on a course-by-course basis or completely withdraw (drop all courses) for the term
   1. Students must first complete the Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop Course Petition form and submit to the Office of the Registrar for approval.
   2. On the form, explain the pandemic-related reason you are requesting the withdrawal or drop.
   3. If you stopped attending classes, explain why and when. (Please note: Non-attendance does not constitute dropping or withdrawal from a course).
3. Submit all materials to the Office of the Registrar. Please note that Pandemic Related Administrative Withdrawal/Drop Petitions for Fall 2020 will be accepted beginning on December 15, 2020 and the deadline to submit requests for Fall 2020 courses is January 15, 2021.
   
   
4. After the materials are received, your request will be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar and you will be notified, at your UHCL Email address, when it has been approved or denied. You may be asked to provide additional information to assist the university in its evaluation of your request, so please check your UHCL email regularly.
   
   
5. Once a petition made by the student has been accepted, and the grade converted to WX, the decision is not reversible. Download the Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop Course Petition form.
   
   
6. If a Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop Course Petition is not approved students may submit a Withdrawal appeal. Withdrawal appeals should explain the reason for appealing and must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than 5 days after the petition deadline. Appeal decisions will be made by the Provost.
   
   
7. Students are advised to consult with their faculty and/or academic advisor, as well as, the Office of Financial Aid and The Office of Veterans Services (if applicable) to understand the implications of the change on their future plans, including progress toward a degree completion or financial aid awards.
   
   
8. Students are advised to contact Student Business Services at (281)283-2170, option 2 or sbs@uhcl.edu prior to dropping or withdrawing from a class to see

Grading Timeline

Faculty will enter final letter grades for the Fall 2020 by December 15th. Students will be able to request a pandemic-related administrative  withdraw or course drop until 5 p.m. on January 15, 2021. Once the required form is completed and approved by the Office of the Registrar, letter grades will automatically be converted a WX.

Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop Course Petition Form

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Student Frequently Asked Questions

December 22, 2020

What is the Pandemic Related-Administrative Withdraw/Drop Policy?

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is extending the withdraw/drop course option to support graduate and undergraduate students as they address the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy allows a student to choose either a traditional letter grading scheme or request a withdraw for one or all of the courses they have taken.

Topic: Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw-Drop Course Policy
Date: Dec 15, 2020 03:49 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Meeting Recording

Will a W affect my degree?

A withdraw or drop (WX) will have no effect on GPA and the hours will not count towards graduation.

How will the PRAW-D option impact my academic standing?

WX grades will not count in the calculation of academic standing. For students placed on probation or suspension at the end of the fall 2020, choosing the PRAW/D option will result in a review and potentially an adjustment of the standing to account for the drop or withdrawal. 
NOTE: Students placed on academic suspension at the end of a term automatically have courses for the upcoming term cancelled. In the event that a standing of suspension is adjusted due to a PRAW-D option, students must enroll themselves for courses in the future term. 

Is the PRAW-D grade option right for me?

The decision is up to the student, but we strongly encourage that all students consult with their academic advisor, financial aid advisor and/or faculty before making the decision. What is the deadline to choose the PRAW/D option for fall 2020 courses? The form must be received by the Office of the Registrar by Jan. 15, 2021. 

How will the PRAW-D grade option effect my Financial Aid?

Every student is unique in their financial aid situation. We encourage students to reach out to our office to understand the implications. Students experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19 may be asked to submit documentation.

What if the course I select for the PRAW/D option is a prerequisite to another course?

WX grades do not satisfy requirements for degree completion. If you drop courses that prerequisites, you are not allowed to remain enrolled in courses in the next course in the sequence.

UHCL reserves the right to drop you from these courses to enforce prerequisites. 

Will an WX grade be acceptable if I want to go to graduate or professional school?

Students are encouraged to consult their program or major faculty before making the determination that dropping a course or withdrawing from the term will have an effect on their applicability to graduate or professional study.

What is the appeals process for the PRAW/D Option? 

An appeal may be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Appeal decisions are made by the provost. 

Can the PRAW/D policy be applied to a course I dropped earlier in the term due to COVID?

Yes, as long as the reason for the drop is pandemic related, the Office of the Registrar will exclude the drop from the six drop count. Students should complete the form by entering the information for the class previously dropped and providing the brief description of the pandemic related reason for dropping.  

How will the PRAW-D affect my tuition and fees?

Students are advised to reach out to Student Business Services prior to dropping or withdrawing from a course.  Dropping or withdrawing from a course can have a huge financial impact.  No refunds will be granted under the PRAW-D policy.