Course Drop Policy for Graduate Students

Graduate students may drop courses using Student Self-Service through the end of the second week of classes for fall and spring semesters, or through the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and the first Friday of Summer Session 2. During weeks 3 through 6 of the fall and spring semesters.  Graduate degree-seeking students and non-degree students assigned to a program can drop classes during weeks 3 through 6 in the fall and spring semesters, and between the first Thursday through the third Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and through weeks 2 through 5 in Summer Session 2, with approval of the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) of their degree program. Unassigned non-degree students can drop classes during weeks 3 through 6 in the fall and spring semesters (weeks 2 through 5 in the summer session) and should obtain a signature from the Graduate College. If the drop occurs between weeks 0-2 in fall and spring, or between the first day of instruction and the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and the first day of instruction and the first Friday of Summer Session 2, there will be no notation on the transcript. If the drop occurs after week 2 in the fall and spring semesters, or after the first Wednesday through the third Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and between weeks 2 through 5 in Summer Session 2, a W is noted on the transcript. The number of drops allowed for a degree-seeking student, or a non-degree student assigned to a program, after the on-line add drop period is determined by the Director of Graduate Studies. In all cases, course drops by any graduate student after the second week in fall and spring, and after the first Wednesday through the third Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and between weeks 2 through 5 in Summer Session 2, must be completed on campus using the Graduate College Registration Revision Form.

Note: International students in F-1 or J-1 status are required to be registered full-time (12 credit hours) every semester. Graduate students with assistantships may register for less than 12 credit hours if appropriate criteria has been met. If you wish to register for less than 12 credit hours, please speak with an advisor in the Office of International Services (OIS) prior to dropping courses or under-enrolling. In order to maintain your immigration status, permission must be granted by OIS in advance of dropping below full time. OIS is located at 1200 W. Harrison St. Suite 2160/ phone: (312) 996-3121 e-mail: ois@uic.edu

To process a drop after the end of the second week (after the end of week 1 in summer):

• Degree-seeking students and non-degree students assigned to a program: Student must complete a Graduate College Registration Revision Form and obtain approval from the Director of Graduate Studies of the student's program (not the department of the class). Approval is determined by the Director of Graduate Studies. Graduate College review is not needed. Form must immediately be submitted to the Registration Office in SSB, no later than the end of the 6th week (5th in summer).
• Unassigned non-degree students (26-5926): Student must complete a Graduate College Registration Revision Form. Form must immediately be submitted to the Registration Office in SSB, no later than the end of the 6th week in fall and spring  (3rd Wednesday of Summer Session 1 and 5th week of Summer Session 2).