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Your Academic Advising Team is always here to help but if you need assistance after hours, here are some frequently asked advising questions/issues and answers.

When is it better to withdraw from a class?

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Should I withdraw from my class?

If you are failing a class and there is no way for you to catch up and pass it, you should consider withdrawing from it instead of taking an “F”.  A course grade of “W” does not impact your cumulative or term GPA.  A course grade of “F”, however, negatively impacts your GPA.  For example, if you are taking two classes this semester and have a “B” in one class and an “F” in the other, your term GPA will be 1.5.  If you withdraw from the class instead of taking the “F”, your term GPA would be 3.0.

If you opt to take the “F”, we recommend repeating the course the following semester.  We have automatic grade replacement and this will help boost your GPA.

I’m considering withdrawing -Take these three steps to make an informed decision about withdrawing

I need help withdrawing from my class(es)

Can Withdrawing from a class impact my Financial Aid, Scholarship, or Grants?

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Impact on Financial Aid, Scholarship, or Grants?

Yes, it could have an impact.  The Financial Aid Office tracks students’ completion rates and a Withdraw counts against your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).  You should reach out to the Financial Aid Office at 303-556-8593 or go in-person to JSSB Suite 130 with questions.  You can also find FSAFA/CASFA information on the MSU Denver Financial Aid website.

Please note: Your Academic Advisor does not have access to your financial aid information and we will not be able to tell you if/how withdrawing will impact your award.

I’m on Academic Probation/Recovery, should I withdraw from my class or take a low grade?

Academic Probation/Recovery

If you are on probation/recovery and failing a class, in most circumstances, you should withdraw from your class to avoid being put on academic suspension.  Remember, you must have a 2.2 Term GPA to avoid suspension (this is a C+ average in your classes).  Learn more about the expectations for Academic Probation/Recovery on the Academic Probation/Recovery website.

If you are using any type of financial aid or the GI Bill, you should check with the Financial Aid or Veterans Office before deciding to withdraw.

I was removed from a class for non-participation, what are my next steps?

Why did I get dropped from my class?

MSU Denver has a mandatory class participation policy, and you either did not participate in your class as determined by the instructor or were dropped by accident.  You can read about the mandatory class policy on the Registrar’s website.

Each instructor determines what constitutes student class participation, and this should be explained in their class syllabus. Instructors are required to report non-participating students to the Registrar’s Office at noon on Census (this is typically at the end of the first two weeks of the semester).  The Registrar’s Office then drops non-participating students from the class and sends out a notification and reinstatement appeal form via email.

Removed from a class for non-participation

Transfer and Alternative Credit Issues or Questions

Some options for alternative credit or prior learning assessment

Here are some of the possible ways to earn alternative credit:

  • CLEP, AP, IB, or DSST scores
  • Credit for military service
  • Work & Life Experiences
  • Prior Learning Assessment

for more information visit the Registrar’s Alternative Credit website or speak to an advisor.