The College of Letters & Science policy is that students must withdraw (withdrawal indicates that a student intends to stop attending classes for the current term/semester) from the term by the end of the 12th week of classes during the fall and spring terms. Students may not withdraw after the 12th week except in extremely unusual circumstances, and only with the approval of an academic dean.
In order to obtain a late withdrawal after the official deadline, a student should have verifiable non-academic circumstances beyond their control which prevented them from withdrawing in a timely manner or from completing the semester/term. Please note that the last day to request a late withdrawal for the fall or spring term is the last day of classes (prior to the start of final exams). The summer term withdrawal deadlines are usually the end of the three-quarters of the particular summer extended to that Friday. Please see dates & deadlines for more detailed information.
If you are trying to withdraw from the term currently in session, please complete the late withdrawal form below:
A RETROACTIVE withdrawal is one that is requested AFTER the term has ended. If the term you are hoping to withdraw from occurred prior to the current term or after the last day of classes in any given term, please complete the following form:
Retroactive Withdrawal Request
Please note that the summer term withdrawal deadlines are usually the end of the three-quarters of the session, extended to the following Friday. For example:
- For a student enrolled in a three-week summer term, the withdrawal deadline is the same as the drop deadline (the end of the 2nd week on Friday).
- For a student enrolled in a four-week summer term, the withdrawal deadline is the same as the drop deadline (the end of the 3rd week on Friday).
- For a student enrolled in a six-week summer term, the withdrawal deadline is the end of the 5th week on Friday.
- For a student enrolled in an eight-week summer term, the withdrawal deadline is the end of the 6th week on Friday.
See the Summer Key Deadlines and Guidelines for Summer Enrollment Actions for more specific details.)
To request a late withdrawal, you must BOTH
- submit the completed Late Withdrawal or Retroactive Withdrawal Request form AND
- schedule an appointment to meet with an academic dean.
L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services will contact you within three (3) business days of receiving your request with next steps and to schedule an appointment.
A student MUST first read through the WITHDRAWING FROM UW-MADISON and Canceling Your Enrollment- Withdrawals information and THEN fill out the the information requested in the form below. Please note that in order to obtain a withdrawal after the official deadline, it is important that an individual provide strong documentation of their circumstances. (Extenuating circumstances should have occurred and be able to be well documented.) Examples of documentation that should be provided are as follows:
Death of a family member or friend
- Obituary or death certificate
- Letter from counselor
- Documentation should include date and indicate relationship to the deceased
Family Issues
- Letter from therapist or counselor
Medical Issues (serious illness, hospitalization, mental health, change in health status)
- Letter from doctor with advised period of recovery
- Record of doctor visits
- Hospitalization records
- Copies of medical bills documenting illness/injury
- Letter from doctor, therapist, or counselor
Please feel free to provide written feedback from your instructor(s) regarding your class participation and academic performance if you believe this information would be helpful to the academic dean reviewing your situation.
Providing documentation is not a guarantee that a student’s request to withdraw or retroactively withdraw will be granted. Earning a poor grade in a course (or courses), not being aware of deadlines, or not receiving feedback on examinations until after the deadline are a few examples that are not considered strong reasons for obtaining a withdrawal after the deadline. Students on F1 visas should consult with International Student Services to determine whether they are eligible to withdraw after the official deadline.
This form must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment with an academic dean. If we have not received the form at that point, we will ask that you reschedule your appointment.
Please make sure that you print a copy of the information – before you hit “SUBMIT” – to keep for your records.**
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