L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services
College of Letters & Science

Retroactive Drop Request

The College of Letters & Science policy is that students must drop semester-long courses by the end of the 12th week of classes.   Information about important deadlines can be found at Dates & Deadlines.  Courses may not be dropped after the 12th week except in extremely unusual circumstances, and only with the approval of an academic dean. (Please note that the summer term drop deadlines are usually within the first week or two of a particular summer session. See the Summer Key Deadlines for more specific details.)

In order to obtain a drop (or retroactive drop) after the official deadline, a student should have verifiable non-academic circumstances beyond their control which prevented them from dropping the course in a timely manner or from completing the course.

If the class(es) you hope to drop are still in progress, please use the following form:

Late Drop Request Form

A RETROACTIVE drop is one that is requested AFTER the term has ended.  It is expected that the retroactive drop request be made within the term immediately following the term in question.  If the class or classes you hope to drop were taken in a previous term, please use the following form:

Retroactive Drop Request Form (see below)

To request a late drop or retroactive drop, you must BOTH:

  • Submit this completed form (see below)
  • Schedule an appointment to meet with an academic dean.  (Please call L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services at 608-262-0617 to schedule an appointment to speak with an academic dean.  (During the 2020-2021 academic year, you may also contact our office for an appointment by sending an email to LSDEANS@SAA.LS.WISC.EDU.)
  • L&S undergraduate students on F-1 and J-1 visas must obtain permission to drop below full-time status from International Student Services (ISS).  Detailed information on getting permission to drop below full-time can be found at reduced course load.

Please call L&S Undergraduate Academic Deans’ Services at (608) 262-0617 or LSDEANS@SAA.LS.WISC.EDU to schedule an appointment to speak with an academic dean. 

A student MUST first read through the RETROACTIVE DROP information and THEN fill out the information below. Please note that in order to obtain a drop 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 drop or retroactively drop a class will be granted. Earning a poor grade in a course, not being aware of deadlines, or not receiving feedback on an examination until after the deadline are a few examples that are not considered strong reasons for obtaining a drop after the deadline.

Retroactive Drop Request Form

Name(Required)
Year in School
Are you a Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) student?
If yes, please consult with your CAE academic advisor to get guidance in preparing for your appointment.
Are you an F1/J1 Student Visa Holder?
If yes, please consult with International Student Services to review any effects a retroactive drop may have on your visa status.
Are you a student athlete?
If yes, please contact your advisor in the Athletic Department before you meet with a dean. To find your advisor, see http://advising.wisc.edu/node/91
Are you using any financial aid that may be affected by you obtaining a retroactive drop this class?(Required)
If you are unsure, see "Financial Aid" options in your Student Center.
(e.g. Math 221, Econ 101, Chem 103, etc.)
(For example, fall 2022, summer 2022, etc. Note that requests for a retroactive drop should be made no later than the semester immediately following the affected semester.)
Did you attend the class for the entire term?(Required)
Have you been accused of academic misconduct in the course(s) you wish to retroactively drop?(Required)
(You will have the opportunity to discuss your situation and share supporting documentation in more detail during your individual meeting with a dean.)
(You may, if necessary, provide documentation after your conversation with a dean. Please be aware that this may delay a decision.)

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.

Drops