What is a course withdrawal?

Modified on Wed, 24 Jun at 4:33 PM

A course withdrawal removes you from an active course before it is completed. There are two types: one you initiate yourself, and one the University initiates.

Note: This article reflects the policies in the current catalog. If you are enrolled under a previous catalog version, withdrawal deadlines and transcript outcomes may differ. Please refer to your applicable catalog or contact your Success Advisor for clarification.



Learner-Initiated Withdrawal


You may withdraw from a course at any point up to Day 35. The timing of your withdrawal determines what appears on your transcript and whether you are eligible for a tuition refund:


TimingTranscript ImpactTuition
Days 1--5 (Drop period)No record; course not counted as attemptedFull refund
Days 6--35Grade of W recordedRefund per University Refund Policy
Day 36 onwardsGrade of F recordedNo refund


A grade of W does not affect your GPA but does count toward your attempted credits for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) purposes. Withdrawing from a course affects your course completion pace, which is monitored as part of your academic standing requirements. Consider this carefully before submitting a withdrawal request.


After withdrawing, you will remain enrolled in your program and retain access to Nexford's learning resources, including the LIRN Library and the Writing Lab. Your tuition billing will continue until you either re-enroll in a new course or take a formal Leave of Absence.


To request a course withdrawal, contact the Learner Success Team:



University-Initiated (Administrative) Withdrawal


The University may administratively withdraw you from a course if you:

  • Fail to demonstrate academic participation by submitting the Module 1 assignment by Day 10
  • Fail to meet minimum academic standards
  • Fail to meet required tuition payment obligations

An administrative withdrawal is recorded as a W on your transcript and counts toward your attempted credits for SAP purposes.



Questions About a Withdrawal?


If you are unsure whether withdrawing is the right decision for your situation, speak with your Success Advisor before submitting a request. They can help you understand the impact on your academic standing and explore any available alternatives.

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