Dropping and Withdrawing

Definitions of Dropping and Withdrawing

Dropping

Dropping occurs when a student wishes to discontinue enrollment in a particular class but remains enrolled in at least one other class during the term. Dropping results in either a 100% or 0% refund—there are no partial refunds for dropped classes. Refund eligibility depends on the date of the drop and the percentage of class time elapsed.

Withdrawing

Withdrawing occurs when a student cancels their registration in all classes (i.e., withdrawing to zero credits) and discontinues their studies for the semester. Withdrawals result in a 100%, 75%, 50% or 0% refund of tuition and fees, depending on the date of the withdrawal form submission.

Dates and Deadlines

Students are responsible for reviewing deadlines associated with dropping individual classes or withdrawing from the semester.  A complete list of dates/deadlines may be found here:  Calendars. 

How to Drop an Individual Class

This task may be completed online by the student via Campus Connection.

REFUND REMINDER! Dropped classes will result in a 100% refund of tuition/fees if the drop is executed before the deadline.  After the deadline, no refund will be provided. There are no partial refunds for dropped classes.

How to Withdraw from the Semester (ALL Classes)

Withdrawing from ALL classes requires an electronic form which prompts DSU staff to withdraw the student from all classes and notifies a variety of departments on campus (e.g., Residence Life, Financial Aid, etc.).  The withdrawal form, and instructions, may be found here:  Academic Forms. 

REFUND REMINDER!  Withdrawals result in a 100%, 75%, 50% or 0% refund of tuition/fees, depending on the date of submission. The prorated refund schedule only applies to classes they are enrolled in on the date that the form is submitted and may not include classes previously dropped.

DSU Tuition and Fee Refund Schedule

DSU adheres to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Refund Policy 830.2 and the North Dakota University System Refund Procedure 830.2 when reducing student account tuition/fee charges resulting from drops and withdrawals.

Financial Aid Implications

Withdrawing from a term may require the return of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Funds. At the start of the semester, students are provided with financial aid under the assumption that the student will complete the semester. If a student withdraws mid-semester, a calculation of "earned" aid is completed by the Financial Aid Office. This calculation will take multiple factors into consideration, including the student’s last date of attendance. "Unearned" aid is returned to the Department of Education and/or the loan lender and may result in a balance due to DSU, which must be paid by the student.

Dropping a course or withdrawing from a term can also affect future financial aid eligibility. Pursuant to Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress students must complete 67% of attempted credits. Dropping a course or withdrawing from a term can result in a student failing to meet the requirement.

Official vs. Unofficial Withdrawals

Official Withdrawal: The date that the student formally notifies DSU of their intent to withdraw via online form which includes their electronic signature.

Unofficial Withdrawal: The date that a student ceases to be an eligible recipient of financial aid funds as a result of failing to attend and/or participate in classes. Unofficial withdrawals are related only to financial aid eligibility and do not result in the reversal of DSU tuition and student fee charges. To be considered for a refund of tuition and fees, the student must officially withdraw from the University (see above).

NOTE: Both official and unofficial withdrawals may result in the recalculation and return of financial aid funds to the U.S. Department of Education.