Registration in a course obligates the student to be regular and punctual in class attendance.

Students should make certain that their names are on the class roll. If an error has been made in registration, it is the student's responsibility to see that the error is corrected in the Office of the Registrar. It is the individual instructor's responsibility to inform students, in writing, on the first day the class meets of the guidelines for implementing the instructor's attendance policy. Students who cease attending class are expected to report to the Office of the Registrar to initiate withdrawal procedures. Withdrawal deadlines are available for each semester at http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Support/AcadAffairs/Registrar/acad_calendar.htm.  See the Term Calendar for the desired term's withdrawal deadline.

Excessive absenteeism frequently contributes to poor academic achievement. An instructor who determines that a student's absenteeism is inconsistent with the instructor's stated policy should either counsel with the student or request that the Academic Advising and Retention Center arrange a counseling session with the student. Excessive absenteeism may result in the instructor's dismissing the student from the class and recording a failing grade, unless the student officially withdraws from the class before the withdrawal deadline. If the student withdraws from the University after the end of the official withdrawal period, excessive absenteeism may be one of the considerations in the instructor's deciding whether circumstances justify a "W" or an "F" in the course. The normal appeal process is available to the student who wants to appeal the decision of the instructor.

When a student is absent from class because of illness, death in the family, or other justifiable reasons, it is the student’s responsibility to consult the instructor at the earliest possible time.

Withdrawing from an Individual Class or from All Courses

  Withdrawal from an Individual Class

TopNet may be used to withdraw from individual courses according to dates listed in the Academic Calendar.  The official date of the withdrawal is the date the withdrawal is processed on TopNet.  A $20 Schedule Change Fee will be assessed for each course withdrawal.  Students who cease attending class(es) without an official withdrawal will receive failing grades.

  Procedure

1.   Login to TopNet (www.topnet.wku.edu) then click on Student Services, then Registration, then Register/Add/Drop, then select the appropriate term.

2.   Locate the class(es) from which you need to withdraw, click on the drop/down box, and then click on Withdraw.  Be sure to click on Submit Changes at the bottom of the page.

3.   Verify that the transaction was processed properly by checking the status of the course.  Verify that Credit Hours now reflect ‘0.0 hours’ for each class dropped.  Your transcript will reflect a grade of "W" for each withdrawn course.

  Withdrawal from All Courses

Students sometimes find it necessary to completely withdraw from the University for a particular term.  Dropping full semester courses during the first 6 days of a regular semester will not show withdrawal grades on the official transcript.  Withdrawal after the sixth day of the semester through the withdrawal deadline listed in the Academic Calendar will result in a "W" grade for each course.  The official date of the withdrawal is the date the withdrawal is processed on TopNet.  After the withdrawal deadline, students must consult with each instructor for a withdrawal grade, which may be a "W" or an "F".  Students who cease attending class(es) without an official withdrawal will receive failing grades.  For specific withdrawal deadlines for a regular semester or for bi-term or summer courses, refer to the Academic Calendar.

  Procedure

There are two ways to withdraw completely from all courses before the deadlines listed in the Academic Calendar:

1.   Use the procedure described above for all courses,

OR

2.   Submit a written request to the Office of the Registrar, 217 Potter Hall.  The request must include the following: student's name, local address, e-mail address, phone number, WKU ID, statement of request to withdraw, date of the notice, and student signature.  The withdrawal will be effective the date the notice is received in the Office of the Registrar.

3.   Any refund will be calculated as of the withdrawal effective date.

4.   Students who request to withdraw after the midpoint of the semester should contact the Office of the Registrar at 270-745-3352 for instructions.

5.   Remember to check on the following items prior to withdrawing:

 

Student health insurance: You may no longer be covered by student health insurance once you withdraw completely. Check with Health Services (745-5641)  or your personal health insurance agent to determine your status.

Financial aid: Contact Student Financial Assistance (745-2755) to find out how withdrawing will impact your financial aid and how much you will need to repay.

Housing: If you live in on-campus housing, you will need to submit a cancellation request.  Call Housing and Residence Life (745-4359) for assistance.

Financial collections: If you have a Perkins loan, be sure to make arrangements for an exit interview.  Call the Perkins Loan Office (745-5551) for information.

Obligations with the University: Check TopNet for holds that prevent your withdrawal.