ASR (Academic Support Resources) serves as the policy contact or owner for many of the University’s Education & Student Life policies. ASR interprets policy, answers policy questions, and supports the policy process and conducts regular comprehensive reviews.
View the dropdowns below for more information and details on common and extensive policies.
Information on University policies
Enrollment changes and refunds
When to drop
Before the first day of classes, a student may drop any class that they have decided not to attend without a penalty.
After the first day of classes, a student should immediately drop any class they have stopped attending for any reason.
Dropping a class is effective the day the student officially drops, not on the date the student stopped attending class. A student who stops attending class without officially dropping their registration may fail the course.
Departmental cancellations
If a student is registered for a course that is canceled by the department, the student should contact the department immediately to see if alternative arrangements have been made. If not, the student is responsible for dropping the class in order to remove it from their record.
Late withdrawal/one-time late withdrawal
After a certain amount of time, dropping a class is considered a withdrawal and will result in a “W” on the student’s transcript. Withdrawals may also require the approval of the student’s college and may not be granted solely because the student is failing the course. There must be extenuating non-academic circumstances justifying the withdrawal. See the add/drop deadlines for the specific dates when dropping a class is considered a withdrawal, and when a withdrawal will need college approval.
A student may withdraw from a course for any reason (not just extenuating non-academic circumstances) once during their undergraduate enrollment. A student will need college approval and may use this withdrawal up to and including the last day of instruction (see the academic calendar) for that course. However, a student cannot withdraw after completing a final examination or its equivalent.
Students should check with their college office regarding one-time withdrawal procedures. Complete grading policies for the University are available in the University policy library.
Refund periods
The amount of the refund is determined by time periods with strict drop/add & refund deadlines and approvals that apply to all possible terms of enrollment (fall and spring semesters, May/summer, and 7-week sessions, for example).
FERPA and student data privacy
ASR is responsible for student data privacy at the University, governed by FERPA and University policies, including Managing Student Records, Information Security, and Data Security Classification.
We offer consultation, advice, and training on FERPA and private student data. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Mandatory attendance at first class session
Per University policy for Twin Cities, Crookston, Morris, and Rochester, students must attend the first class meeting of every course in which they are registered, unless they obtain approval for your intended absence before the first meeting. Without this prior approval, a student may lose their place in class to another student.
If a student wishes to remain in a class from which they have been absent the first day without prior approval, the student must contact their instructor as soon as possible. Instructors have the right to deny admission if the class is full.
A student must officially drop any class if the student has been denied admission.
University policies related to teaching
Other University of Minnesota teaching policies are available in the University's policy library and on the Board of Regents policies page.
Contact information
For policy questions, contact Carin Anderson-Thomas at [email protected].