Should I use my one-time-only late withdrawal?

Choosing to withdraw from a course can be a difficult decision to make.
Choosing to withdraw from a course can be a difficult decision to make. Depending on the course, it may mean needing to delay other courses, potentially delaying your graduation. In other cases, it may mean simply needing to fulfill that requirement in another semester or summer. Sometimes, it may be a course you do not need at all, but took out of interest and later realized you would not be able to successfully pass.

The University of Minnesota offers three separate withdrawal deadlines each semester:
  • Within the first two weeks of a semester, a student may drop a course without a “W” (meaning withdrawal) on their transcript.
  • Beginning the third week of the semester through the tenth week, students may withdraw from a full-semester course with a “W” on their transcript.
  • Beginning the eleventh week of the semester through the last day of classes (or before you take the final exam for the course, whichever date comes first), students may use their One-Time-Only Late Withdrawal (OTO). This would also result in a W on their transcript.
Because the OTO is a one-time option once you use it you will not have it as an option to use again in the future. It is important to be very reflective before deciding if it is the right time to use it. A couple questions to ask yourself in reflection may be:
  • Am I unable to reasonably pass this course with a C– or better (for major- or minor-related courses)? Students should connect with their instructor or TA to discuss their options with successfully completing the course.
  • Would putting in the work to be able to pass this one course be so great that it would make my other courses suffer? Your academic advisor may be able to direct you to helpful resources to help you successfully complete the course. 
  • Would withdrawing from this course impact my financial aid, tuition, or scholarships? Before choosing to withdraw from a course to connect with One Stop Student Services to discuss the financial implications of withdrawing from a course.
  • Would withdrawing from this course impact my international student status? For questions about how withdrawing from a course could impact VISA requirements you can connect with the International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS).

Using your OTO because you simply no longer want to be in the course or are able to pass the course with a grade that you feel is less than ideal are not recommended uses of the OTO, as you may need to have your OTO to use if you find yourself not passing a class in a future semester.

If you are considering using your OTO, it is very important to discuss your options with an advisor, so they are able to speak with you about how withdrawing from the class may impact other courses you are currently taking, your graduation timeline, and/or options to fulfill this requirement in a future semester.

If you have questions as to whether or not using your OTO is a good option in your situation, contact your academic advisor through email or attend drop in advising to speak with a CSE college advisor. If you choose to use your OTO you can complete the required online one-time only late withdrawal form. 

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