Frequently Asked Questions

How do I withdraw from classes this semester?

You can voluntarily withdraw from individual or all classes without academic penalty during the first two weeks of classes (drop/add period) in any semester. After the second week, withdrawing from any courses will require working with the Academic Dean or Director of Advising in your particular academic college or school.

You can completely withdraw from any classes before the end of the eighth week in the semester by completing a form available in the offices of the Registrar and all Academic Deans. 

Please consult with your Academic Dean, Director of Advising, and/or University Bulletin of Information for full regulations regarding withdrawals.

How do I withdraw if I have a medical or mental health problem?

In the event of a serious medical/mental health condition or family emergency, a student may request a withdrawal from classes.

All decisions about medical/mental health withdrawals are determined by the student�s Academic Dean or Director of Advising.  Be sure to continue to attend classes and complete requirements until you find out if your Dean or Director of Advising has approved your petition to withdraw. 

How do I obtain supporting documentation for my withdrawal petition?

If your withdrawal petition is purely for physical health reasons, you may take a note from your doctor directly to your Academic Dean or Advisor when you complete a petition for withdrawal. Alternately, you can be evaluated by the Student Health Service, who will forward a withdrawal recommendation to your Academic Dean or Advisor.

If there are mental health issues or concerns, you may begin by making an appointment for a mental health withdrawal consultation/evaluation at the University Counseling Center to support your withdrawal petition. You must also fill out a petition for withdrawal with your Academic Dean or Advisor.

You may call the DOS office for guidance or more complex questions about the medical/mental health withdrawal procedures.

Will I get a refund if I take a withdrawal?

Refunds are granted based on the scale posted in the Schedule of Classes. Generally, refunds are not granted after the end of the fourth week of classes. Requests for refunds after that time can only be granted by the student�s Academic Dean or Director of Advising.

Is there a Tuition Refund Plan (insurance)?

An elective tuition refund insurance plan is available through the Student Accounts Office.  The Tuition Refund Plan is administered and underwritten by A.W.G Dewar, Inc., 4 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA  02169.  You may call A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. at (617) 774-1555 for more information or contact them via email at trp@dewarinsurance.com.  To participate, you must complete an application and payment of premium prior to the opening date of the semester.  Information about the plan, brochures, and application mailers are sent to all students from the Student Accounts Office each summer.

How do I take an incomplete or get an excused absence in my class?

Incompletes and excused absences can only be granted your professor. The DOS office no longer intervenes with excused absences or incompletes with professors; however, you may contact your Academic Dean or Director of Advising for assistance with excused absences or questions about grade disputes or other academic concerns.

To whom can I complain about my professor?

Any concerns or complaints about the course content, grading, class requirements or your professor�s behavior and teaching methods should be directed to your Academic Dean.

Where do I turn if I have been discriminated against by a professor or staff member?

If you believe you were discriminated against or sexually harassed by a faculty or staff member, you should review the Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities and call the DOS office at 994-6710 to consult about your rights and the procedures available to investigate and resolve the issues.

Where do I get a recommendation/Dean�s disciplinary clearance for job, graduate school or law school applications?

All certification of clean disciplinary records for employment or graduate applications can be obtained from the Office of Student Judicial Services in the CLLC (Fulbright Hall, 994-0630).

How do I sign up for the Student Health Insurance Plan?

You can obtain a brochure and application form for the SHIP at the Student Health Service in the Ambulatory Care Center, review the SHIP on line at www.chickering.com (Policy #711120) or you can call the plan administrator, The Chickering Group, directly at 1-800-213-0579.

My problem seems very complex and confusing. It also involves a lot of different offices and I just don�t know where to start. What should I do?

The DOS office is particularly well equipped to help students sort out complex issues and know what office to contact for further help or guidance. Feel free to contact the DOS office with any complex or confidential issues at 994-6710.