Reviewing and Adjusting Your Plan

Life is unpredictable and thus, there may be times when you need to adjust your EducationPlan. You are encouraged to meet with a counselor or other academic advising professional to review and discuss any changes. Below are some questions that may help you evaluate your plan:

Changing Major

If you are thinking about changing your major/program of study:

Withdrawing or Dropping a Class

In some situations, withdrawing from or dropping a class/classes may be the best option. Before you act, make sure you have considered the alternatives. Withdrawing from or dropping a class may significantly impact various aspects of your academic life. Some areas to think about include:

Academic Standing: Each school has its own regulations about withdrawing from class. Academic probation and academic suspension are possible outcomes. Refer to your school's website and/or handbook for the specific expectations and guidelines. Counselors or other academic advising professionals are also good resources. Click here for general information about the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) policy.

GPA: Withdrawing from a class may impact your GPA. GPA refers to Grade Point Average and is usually a number that reflects the cumulative average of a student's grades for a specific time period. Check with your school to confirm how grades are valued and calculated as there are different approaches. One method of calculating GPA is described here.

Financial Aid: Withdrawing from a course may put you at risk for financial aid probation or suspension. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the policies on your campus. To see an example, you can view the MN State Colleges and Universities Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy. In some cases, you may be expected to pay for classes you drop or withdraw from. And in some situations, students may be required to pay back a portion of their financial aid.here.

Scholarships: If you are a scholarship recipient, be aware that course withdrawal may affect your scholarship. You are responsible for checking your scholarship guidelines.

Full Time or Part Time Status: Be aware of how many credit hours/classes you are taking and know how your school defines full time and part time student. There may be consequences if your status changes from full time to part time.

International Students: Withdrawing from a course or being put on academic probation or suspension can have serious consequences for your F-1 student status. If you are suspended for any reason, your I-20 may be cancelled and you may be asked to leave the country. Please see an international student advisor, a counselor or other academic advising professional to discuss your situation.