Special Circumstance Withdrawals and Drops: Complete Student Guide

Quick Link: Special Circumstance Drop or Withdrawal Form

Overview

Students facing unexpected challenges that prevent them from continuing their coursework may be eligible for special circumstance withdrawals or drops. The Office of the Registrar provides two main options: Special Circumstance Drops for individual courses and Special Circumstance Withdrawals for complete semester withdrawal. This guide outlines the processes, eligibility criteria, and required documentation for both options.

Please note that students found responsible for academic misconduct cannot withdraw from the course or request an academic fee adjustment, and the grade assigned by the professor will stand.

Understanding Your Options

Special Circumstance Drop

A Special Circumstance Drop allows you to:

• Drop specific individual courses while maintaining enrollment in others

• Reduce your course load without completely withdrawing

• Address situations where specific courses cannot be completed (e.g., physical activity courses due to health issues)

Special Circumstance Withdrawal

A Special Circumstance Withdrawal applies when:

• You need to withdraw from all courses for the semester

• Your circumstances affect your ability to continue any coursework

• You meet specific eligibility criteria (reviewed by the Office of the Registrar)

Qualifying Circumstances

The following documented situations may qualify for either a special circumstance drop or withdrawal:

Military-Related Circumstances

• Active deployment orders

• Field training exercises

• Training-related deployment

• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders

• School training orders

Health-Related Circumstances

• Hospitalization records

• Medical documentation of extended illness

• Doctor's statement specifying inability to attend classes

• Professional counselor or therapist documentation

• Death or emergency involving immediate family member

Other Qualifying Documentation

• Police reports

• Additional supporting documentation relevant to the circumstance

Required Documentation

All requests must include:

• Official paperwork specifically noting your inability to attend during the requested period

• Documentation relevant to your qualifying circumstance

• Completed Special Circumstance Drop or Withdrawal Form

How to Submit Your Request

1. Consult with your Academic Advisor about your situation

2. Gather all required documentation

3. Complete the Special Circumstance Drop or Withdrawal Form

4. Submit all materials to the Office of the Registrar for review

Need Additional Assistance?

For questions or guidance:

• Contact your Academic Advisor

• Email the Assistant Provost & University Registrar at Nagelf@apsu.edu

• Submit your request through our online form