Withdrawal from a Class with a W or NP Grade

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

W and NP withdrawals explained

Sometimes a class doesn’t go as planned. If you reach a point in the quarter when continuing isn’t possible, UC Santa Cruz provides options to officially withdraw from a course. Depending on the timing, you may request a withdrawal with a “W” notation or, if you are in good academic standing, a “No Pass” (NP) notation. Both are GPA-neutral, but each comes with specific rules and impacts.

Overview

If you need to stop taking a class after the add/drop/swap deadline, you may request a withdrawal. Depending on timing, you can receive either:

a W (Withdrawal) notation, or
an NP (No Pass) notation (only if you are in good academic standing).

Both are GPA-neutral but have specific rules and impacts.

When you can request a withdrawal

After the add/drop/swap deadline through the end of Week 6: A W will appear on your record.
After Week 6 through the final withdrawal deadline: Students in good academic standing may request NP.
You may not withdraw from a class if you have already completed the final coursework or final exam.
No tuition or fee reversals are issued for W/NP.
You cannot use the W/NP process to petition for all W or all NP grades in a regular quarter. If you cannot complete any courses, use the Petition for Withdrawal/Leave of Absence to withdraw from the entire quarter.
For documented medical or emergency reasons, a W may be requested after the deadline—contact your college advisor.

What’s a W?

GPA-neutral; does not affect your GPA.
No credit is earned.
Remains on your schedule and transcript.
Maintains full-time status for financial aid purposes, but not for F-1/J-1 immigration purposes.
International students should consult ISSS before requesting a W.
Once filed, you stop attending the class and focus on your other classes.

What’s an NP?

GPA-neutral; does not affect your GPA.
No credit is earned.
Appears on your record as soon as it’s processed, even before end-of-term grades post.

Other options before withdrawing

If you’re struggling, consider:

Talking with your instructor or TA about strategies to pass.
Meeting with your college academic advisor.
Changing your grading option to P/NP (only if you’re in good academic standing; confirm major rules and P/NP limits).
Discussing an Incomplete (I) with your instructor.
Exploring the University Part-time Program for future quarters.
Taking time away and returning in a future quarter (see Withdrawal and Leave of Absence).

How to request W or NP (MyUCSC)

Log in to MyUCSC.
Click the Enrollment tile, then Drop.
Select the class and click Drop Selected Classes.
Confirm, then click Finish Dropping. The W or NP will be added to your record automatically.

Co-requisites (labs/lectures): If the class has a required lab or other co-requisite, the W/NP applies to both. In fall, winter, and spring, you may be able to add one component back through the Add by Petition process (instructor discretion). Not available in summer.

Impact on course repeats

A W or NP counts as an attempt and remains on your record.
A UC Santa Cruz course may be repeated only once.
If this is your first attempt and you plan to repeat later, the next attempt will be your final one.
If you withdraw or take NP on your second attempt, you cannot take the course again without college approval.
If the course is required for your major, consult your major advisor.

Financial aid and graduate/professional school considerations

Fall/Winter/Spring: W/NP does not affect financial aid for the current quarter if you remain enrolled in and are participating in other courses; it may affect Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for future aid.
Summer: Aid is credit-based; W/NP may reduce eligibility.
Professional schools vary: For example, some law schools count NP as an F for admissions review. Policies vary for other programs.

International students (F-1/J-1)

Must remain enrolled in at least 12 credits in fall, winter, and spring.
Must receive ISSS approval for a reduced course load before a W/NP can be approved and applied.
EAP and exchange students should also consult their home university and UCEAP.
ISSS reduced course load approval is not the same as the University Part-time Program.

Note: Once processed, W/NP cannot be reversed. If you’re unsure, talk with your college academic advisor before filing.