Withdrawals 

We understand that life doesn’t always go as planned. That’s why we provide resources to help you navigate unexpected circumstances and ensure you are aware of your options for managing these situations.

A withdrawal removes you from a course after the Add/Drop period and is noted on your official academic record. There are different types of withdrawals depending on the timing and circumstances.  

 All students can withdraw from courses during a semester until the academic calendar deadline. But what happens if you miss this deadline and find that you need to withdraw afterwards? It depends. Some withdrawal options are to assist you when you have issues that arise outside the normal windows and others are for assisting you with medical issues. Ultimately, these are all resources designed to help you be successful during your time at UCF.  

We advise that you use the earliest option available to you and speak to your Graduate Program Director or advisor as soon as an issue arises. Don’t wait until the end of the semester to see how things turn out. 

Withdrawal  

When you withdraw from a course, a “W” is noted on your transcript instead of a letter grade. A “W” does not impact your GPA. The withdrawal deadline is listed on the academic calendar. To withdraw, you will need to log in to your myUCF account.

You can withdrawal from one or all of your classes, and you do not need to provide a reason.

Withdrawal Process

To withdraw from a course, follow these steps or see the PDF at the end of the page.

  1. Log into myUCF and navigate to the Student Center.
  2. Go to My Class Schedule.
  3. Under the Academic Information section in the Student Center, click Enroll.
  4. Select the Drop/Withdraw option in the Enroll menu.
  5. Select the current term from the term options and click Continue.
  6. From the list of enrolled courses, select the course(s) from which you wish to withdraw.
  7. After completing the course selection, click on Drop/Withdraw Selected Courses.

How-to-Complete-a-Course-Withdrawal.pdf (ucf.edu)


Late Withdrawal

The Late Withdrawal period is between the day after the regular withdrawal deadline and the last day of the semester. Late Withdrawals are intended for situations that arise after the withdrawal deadline has passed. We understand that life doesn’t always follow deadlines. So, if everything was going well until the deadline then something unexpected happens (e.g., a job transfer), you can apply for a Late Withdrawal. However, you must provide documentation showing that the event occurred beyond your control and outside the normal withdrawal period. 

A Late Withdrawal must be submitted by the end of the term.

Late Withdrawals are typically granted for all enrolled courses in a given semester and are not selective.  

Acceptable Reasons for a Late Withdrawal

  • You unexpectedly had a job transfer that prevented you from completing the course. 
  • You experienced the death of a friend or non-immediate family member after the withdrawal deadline. 

Evaluate Your Situation

  1. Late Withdrawals are usually requested late in the semester. If you’re passing the course and believe you could resume course activities the following semester, you might want to consider discussing an Incomplete Grade with your professor. An Incomplete allows you to finish the remaining coursework within the next semester, with a timeline arranged with your instructor. For more information, visit the Incomplete Grade page.
  2. If you feel you won’t be able to complete the remaining work by the end of the semester, a Late Withdrawal may be your best option.
  3. If your situation involves a medical emergency, family crisis, or other extraordinary circumstances, you may qualify for a Medical Withdrawal or Late Drop. These include situations like the death of an immediate family member, involuntary military deployment, a natural disaster, or serving as a primary caregiver for someone with a debilitating illness.
  4. If your reason for seeking a Late Withdrawal is poor performance, dissatisfaction with the course, or loss of interest, please consult your instructor. Be sure to act during the normal drop or withdrawal periods, as these reasons are not valid for administrative record changes.

How to Submit a Late Withdrawal Request

  1. Log in to the Administrative Request Form. 
  2. Complete the form and upload any required documentation.
  3. Submit by the last day of the semester for the term you’re requesting.
  4. All communications, including requests for additional information and final decisions, will be sent to your UCF Email.

If you do not receive an email within 4-6 weeks, contact the College of Graduate Studies Graduate Student Services Team.

    Medical Withdrawal 

    If you need to withdraw from a class due to medical issues, you may want to apply for a Medical Withdrawal. This is a formal process and can take time to complete. You should also withdraw from your courses if you are still within the standard withdrawal deadline.  

    Medical withdrawals must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies within 6 months of the end of the term for which you are applying. However, you should submit your request as soon as you able, based on your medical situation.

    You must contact gradservices@ucf.edu for medical withdrawals.

    Important Medical Withdrawal Information

    • Medical withdrawals are usually for all courses in the semester. If you wish to request a selective withdrawal, you must present a specific, well documented reason that a medical condition only impacted some but not all of the classes.  
    • For ongoing medical conditions, a medical hold will be placed that will require a health provider’s verification of your ability to return to class before the hold will be removed.  
    • A condition of approved medical withdrawals is that you will be required to sit out the semester following the term of the approved medical withdrawal.

    Medical Withdrawal Process 

    1. You must request the medical withdrawal petition forms (hard copy) from the College of Graduate Studies Student Services office (TCH 205).
    1. Forms A through D must be returned to the Graduate Student Services office within 6 months of the last day of the requested term.
      • Forms A, B, and C are completed by the student.
      • Form D MUST be completed by the medical provider for the specific medical condition.
      • If it’s past 6 months from the end of the term, a medical withdrawal is not available.
    1. Your petition will be reviewed once Forms A through D have been received.
    1. You will be notified via your UCF email of the decision (or if additional information is needed first).
    1. As part of the decision, a medical hold may be placed on your student account.

    All communications, including requests for additional information and final decision, will be sent to your UCF Email account. Please check this regularly. If you have not received an email within 4-6 weeks, please reach out to Graduate Student Services.


    What is a medical withdrawal?  

    Medical Withdrawals are requested when you are suffering from a medical condition that prevents the successful completion of the semester. Medical withdrawals will not be approved for more than one term for the same medical condition.  

    When do I request a Medical Withdrawal?

    Only illness or injuries, as it relates to you, the student, are considered for a medical withdrawal. The application must be submitted within 6 months of the end of the withdrawal term or as soon as you’re able to submit (submission within 6 months refunds tuition, if approved). 

     How will it affect my student record? 

    A medical withdrawal will result in a full refund of tuition fees if processed within six (6) months of the term affected.  You will receive a “WM” which indicates on the academic record that you were withdrawn from classes due to medical reasons. 

    What should I submit for a medical withdrawal? 

    To obtain the medical withdrawal application, please contact the College of Graduate Studies at gradservices@ucf.edu. Be sure to read the instructions on the form. Return Forms A, B, and C to the College of Graduate Studies in Trevor Colbourn Hall (TCH) 205. These forms may also be submitted via eFax (HIPPA compliant), cgsfaxline@ucf.edu.

    Form D needs to be completed and submitted by a medical professional directly to CGS by using HIPPA compliant eFax (cgsfaxline@ucf.edu) or by mail.

    Any documentation that’s not in English language must be translated by proper authority before submitting as part of your petition.

    FORMS A & B  

    You will be asked to provide the following information:

    • If you’re receiving any form of financial assistance from the Office of Financial Assistance, you must contact that office at 407-823-2827 to receive financial aid advising via telephone. You will then write the first and last name of the person you spoke with and the date on signature line for the Financial Aid Office. 
    • If you are an international student with an F1/J1 Visa, UCF Global must sign off on the request form before you turn it in. 
    • Your personal statement detailing your medical condition and enrollment information
    • Your signature and date
    FORM C  

    This form is a Medical Release form to be signed and returned along with Forms A & B by the student. 

    FORM D  

    This form is the Provider Report Form which must be completed by the student and the student’s physician. If you had more than 1 medical provide, each provider must complete a separate Form D. Form D must be returned directly to the College of Graduate Studies by the respective medical provider(s). 

    Obtain a copy of your registration schedule or unofficial transcript from your myUCF portal — NOT a fee invoice. Attach a copy to your request.  


    How long will a medical withdrawal take to process? 

    A medical withdrawal may take between 2-4 weeks for approval and processing.  If your medical withdrawal is not approved, you will be responsible for all course requirements including grades earned. If you have not received an email communication from gradservices@ucf.edu by the end of 4 weeks, we encourage you to reach out to follow up on the status. We will email you once a decision has been made or if any additional information is needed.  

    What is a Medical Hold?  

    When approving a medical withdrawal, a medical hold may be placed on your record to prevent future registration. Because certain medical conditions may last longer than the defined period, the medical hold allows for a review to ensure your safe return to classes. To have the medical hold removed, you will need to provide a personal statement, and your medical provider must provide documentation supporting your returning to classes and the medical review committee will need to verify and approve to remove the hold. 

    Important Medical Withdrawal Tips:  

    Withdrawal Policy