Special Circumstance Late Drop/Withdrawal
For extenuating circumstances occurring within 12 months of the requested term.
What is a Special Circumstance Request?
The special circumstance process allows students to request to drop a course, drop multiple courses, or withdraw from the university after the deadline. A student may also include a request for a refund of tuition and fees associated with the identified course(s). Requests may be made up to a year following the completion of the impacted semester.
Special circumstance requests must be based on a verifiable, significant, unforeseen circumstance that occurred during the semester in question. Each request is reviewed individually. The specific circumstances of each request are considered before a decision is made. Example reasons a student may consider requesting a special circumstance may include:
- The death of a spouse, child, parent, or other dependent.
- A significant injury or medical condition to the student or a dependent, requiring ongoing care that prevents or significantly interferes with the individual’s ability to be a student.
- The student is entering intensive or inpatient treatment for a current and/or chronic medical condition.
Special Circumstance Application
When to Refer Someone for a Special Circumstance Request
Students may consider submitting a request when they have experienced a significant event, such as a major mental or physical illness, significant incapacity, or other life-changing event during the semester in question.
Students should exhaust all other options before submitting a special circumstance request. Other options typically include talking with the instructor regarding the student’s situation, requesting an incomplete, dropping the course(s), withdrawing from the semester, and/or submitting an administrative procedures petition.
If a student is still within the timeframe to drop or withdraw on their own, the student needs to drop the class(es) via Campus Connection or complete the withdrawal form in the eForms tab on their Campus Connection home page. Students should complete a Special Circumstance request only on the last day to drop or withdraw if it is for a refund only.
Process for Filling a Special Circumstance Late Drop/Withdrawal
Students must submit a special circumstance application, provide a personal statement, and provide a professional letter of support.
The professional letter of support should:
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- Be provided by a professional (doctor, therapist, lawyer, etc.) with knowledge of the student’s situation,
- Be on letterhead, contain a signature block, and have a personal signature.
- Include dates of service(s) and provide an overview of the service(s) provided, and
- Should address why the student should be granted a special circumstance request and the impact the circumstance had on the student’s ability to attend class and/or meet academic obligations.
Students will have 30 days to complete their application after filing the initial paperwork with the Office of Community Standards & Care Network. Incomplete applications will be considered inactive after 30 days.
All provided documentation is private and will only be shared with the appropriate members of UND to make a decision regarding the application.
Refunds will be considered for life-changing circumstances occurring within twelve months of the application review. Applications detailing extenuating circumstances to this guideline may be considered at the discretion of the Dean of Students.
Students are responsible for checking with faculty members to determine if another course of action can be taken to address the situation.
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- Can the student take an incomplete to complete the course?
- Are there other options that could be arranged in consultation with faculty members?
- Can the student take the course again in an attempt (at own cost or expense) to get a better grade?
Students are responsible for checking with One-Stop to see how a drop/withdrawal will affect current and future financial aid and loan repayment. It is suggested that students meet with a One-Stop advisor before completing this application.
Students are responsible for checking with the appropriate office to determine how a drop/withdrawal affects their student status (e.g., the Immigration Office, Veteran & Military Services Office, ROTC, Athletic compliance, etc.).
Review of Special Circumstance Requests
Requests are reviewed, in part, based on the following:
- Does the reason for the request represent a significant event? Was it unforeseen?
- How was the student performing academically before the event? Was the student utilizing campus services?
- Did the student exhaust other options available to them? Could they have dropped the course(s) or withdrawn?
- Was the student, or should the student have been, aware of their academic performance before the end of the semester?
- Does the professional support documentation align with the stated reason for the request?
- Is the request for a semester that concluded within the past 12 months? If not, why not?
- Has the student previously requested a special circumstance? If so, was it for a similar reason?
Requests may be approved, denied, or require additional information.
Requests are reviewed with the student’s academic college before final approval.
The Dean of Students processes all appeals of denied special circumstance requests. Students may submit additional information and documentation regarding their requests.
Questions Regarding the Process
Information regarding the special circumstance process is available online, and questions may also be directed to the Office of Community Standards.