Adding or Dropping a Course
Adding a Course
To add any course, you must already be registered for the semester. Otherwise, you must go through either the regular or late registration procedure.
The College of Communication adheres to The University’s policy and procedure for adding a course. Note that the procedure to add a course depends on the date, so be aware of dates and deadlines by checking the academic calendar for The University.
If a student is already registered for courses, the student can add courses using the on-line registration system through the 4th class day of a fall or spring semester (second class day for summer). After this deadline, students must obtain departmental approval to add a course. The College of Communication can only assist students in registering for College of Communication coursework. For example, if a student is trying to add an open section of a Sociology course on the 5th class day of a fall or spring semester, the student would need to contact the Sociology department for registration assistance.
Dropping a Course
The procedure to drop one or more classes, similar to adding a class, is based on the date during the semester. Be aware of these dates and deadlines by checking the academic calendar for The University. Keep in mind that you may not drop all of your classes or the last class for which you are registered. This would require that you withdraw entirely from the University (which is a different procedure).
The College of Communication adheres to The University’s policy and procedure for dropping a course. It is recommended that you consult with your academic advisor in the Office of Student Affairs (CMA 4.140) about how this decision will impact your academic progress prior to dropping coursework. Please review information below on dropping below full-time status (12 hours of registered coursework).
Students may drop courses using the on-line registration system through the 12th class day of a fall or spring semester (fourth class day for summer). A drop using the on-line system is not reflected on the student’s record and does not count against the six drop limit (see below).
After the 12th class day (fourth class day for summer), students must visit the Office of Student Affairs (CMA 4.140) to begin the Q-drop process. Students may pursue a Q-drop through the mid-semester deadline posted on the academic calendar.
IMPORTANT: Students who began full-time college enrollment at a Texas public institution for the first time in the Fall 2007 semester or later will be limited to a total of six (6) dropped courses for academic reasons during undergraduate studies. Full details can be found here.
Dropping a Course After the Deadline
After the mid-semester deadline, you may drop a course only "for urgent and substantiated, nonacademic reasons". This means that a drop after the deadline date is an exception to the rule, must be well documented and involve a very compelling reason. To drop a course after the deadline, you will need to visit the Office of Student Affairs (CMA 4.140) to pick up two forms (bring a photo ID). One form is an "Appeal Form.", which requires that you write an explanation as to why the Dean for Student Affairs should grant an exception to the rule. The other form is for you to give to the instructor to complete. This form refers to your classroom performance. The Dean will not consider an appeal until both forms are completed and returned to the Office of Student Affairs. If the exception is granted, you will be contacted with further instructions on how to drop the course.
The following circumstances do not constitute nonacademic reasons for dropping a class:
- Scholastic probation
- Failing a course
- Neglecting to pursue the appropriate drop procedure by the deadline
- Instructor's recommendation that student should drop
Dropping below full-time status (12 hours of registered coursework)
Students registered for less than 12 hours of coursework in a fall or spring semester are considered part-time students. This reduced registration level can impact:
- Financial Aid
- On Campus Housing
- International Status
- Car Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Honors Day Status
- Graduation Date.
A student on scholastic probation, including those returning from scholastic dismissal, MUST maintain at least twelve semester hours in a long-session (spring and fall semesters), unless prior written approval of the dean has been obtained.
It is recommended that you consult your designated academic advisor about how this decision will impact your academic progress and your financial affairs within the University.
