Complete Withdrawal
Complete withdrawals are processed exclusively by the Records & Registration Office. The Student Support & Outreach (SoS) case managers can assist students in answering questions, preparing their narrative, clarifying documentation or support materials needed, and help navigating submitting the online form. Please read below for more information about Complete Withdrawals (no official reason) and Complete Withdrawals for Extenuating Circumstances (medical, active military, etc.)
Complete Withdrawal From All Courses for the Semester (no official reason)
Students who withdraw from all courses for the semester must do so in person through the Registration and Records Office. Students who cannot drop in person can send an e-mail using their UTEP e-mail account to records@utep.edu. The email must include the name, UTEP Student ID number (80 or 88), course information, and reason for withdrawal, we are not able to process your request over the phone.
Grade Assignment for Drops and Withdrawals and Complete Withdrawals
Grades will be assigned as follows when a student drops a course or completely withdraws from the University:
- If a student drops a course or all courses before the official census date of a semester, neither the course nor a grade will appear on the student’s academic record.
- If a student withdraws from a course after the census date, but before the student initiated course drop deadline listed in the on-line Class Schedule, a grade of W will be assigned.
- With the exception of complete withdrawals, if the student drops after the student-initiated course drop deadline, instructors will determine a grade of “W” or “F” for each course. A grade of W will be considered only under exceptional circumstances and must be approved by the instructor and department chair for the course. A student may need to petition the instructor for a grade of “W” in writing with the necessary supporting documentation.
- In the event of a complete withdrawal due to medical reasons, medical conditions of a family member, death of a family member, death of the student, or military service, grades of “W” will appear on the student's academic record.
Complete Withdrawals with Specific Reasons
Complete withdrawal requests due to extenuating circumstances such as medical, military, and death that require a refund or which are submitted after the Complete Withdrawal Deadline must be submitted to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. These official reasons are outlined in the university student catalog. The final policy and procedures on how university complete withdrawals are handled will be located in the university catalog.
An online form can be submitted that includes a chance to write an explanatory narrative is provided. Official documentation from a clinical health provider (or external proof in non-medical situations) is required for every submission. There is a chance to upload these support documents to this secure form.
Requests for complete withdrawals, with the required documents, related to medical reasons, medical conditions of a family member, death of a family member, active military service, and death of a student, will only be accepted if received within 90 days of the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. After 90 days, a full refund of tuition and fees will not be approved.
- Medical Reasons
- Active Military Service
- Other Extenuating Circumstance
- Medical Condition of a Family Member
- Death of a Family Member
Complete Withdrawal Due to Active Military Service
Students who have to withdraw because they have been called to active military service submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation most often includes a copy of the student's military orders. Grades will be assigned as described below. Military personnel can select one of the withdrawal options below according to the Texas Education Code, Sec. 54.006:
- Receive a refund of the tuition and fees paid for the withdrawn semester.
- If eligible, receive grades of Incomplete (I) from instructors, with the notation “Withdrawn – Military” appearing on the academic transcript.
- Receive an appropriate final grade or credit if the instructor determines that a substantial amount of coursework has been satisfactorily completed and sufficient mastery of the course material has been demonstrated. With this option, the student will not be eligible for a full refund of tuition and fees.
Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Reasons
A student who must withdraw completely due to medical reasons must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner on official letterhead with an original signature, stating the date(s) within the semester that the student was under medical care and that the student must withdraw because of the medical condition. Supporting documentation must be submitted within the semester or no later than 180 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative can do this for the student.
Complete Withdrawal Due to Medical Conditions of a Family Member
A student who must withdraw completely because of a medical condition of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee. Supporting documentation may include a letter from the family member’s attending physician, clinical psychologist, or licensed clinical practitioner confirming that the student’s immediate family member was under medical care, and confirm that the student must withdraw to attend to the immediate family member’s medical condition. This letter must be submitted within the semester no later than 180 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. If the student is unable to act on his or her own behalf, a representative may do this for the student. “Immediate family member” can be defined as a husband, wife, parent, sibling, child, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case–by–case basis.
Complete Withdrawal Due to Death of a Family Member
A student who must withdraw because of the death of an immediate family member must submit a request with supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee during the semester or no later than 180 days after the end of the term for which the withdrawal is being requested. Supporting documentation may include a death certificate. “Immediate family member” is defined as a husband, wife, parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, legal guardian, or grandparent; other relationships can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once documentation has been received, the student will be withdrawn.
Complete Withdrawal Due to Other Extenuating Circumstance
Students with extenuating circumstances not specifically outlined above may submit a request for a complete withdrawal and supporting documentation to the University Student Withdrawal Committee.