Registration of Courses

Adding, Dropping, Withdrawing

Drop/Add Policy

Students may change their course schedule during the first five calendar days of each term with advisor approval. A course that is dropped during this period will not be listed on the transcript. Students in courses that meet only once per week may change their schedules at any time during the first two weeks of the term. Courses may not be added after the first week of term without instructor approval.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is completed and filed when dropping or adding a course. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the Academic Advisor or the Registrar’s Office. Failure to complete the entire drop process could result in the grade of ‘F’ on the official transcript and the student being responsible for tuition and fees.

Withdrawal from Courses

Students may withdraw from courses during the first half of a term or semester with the approval of the advisor and instructor. Withdrawing from courses after the first week of classes (drop/add period) and prior to mid-term will result in grade of ‘W’ on the official transcript. Students who wish to withdraw from a course or courses should contact the Enrollment Services Center for appropriate processing: 828.328.7300 / 800.277.5721 / Registrar@lr.edu.

A student may not withdraw from any course after mid-term except under extenuating circumstances. Withdrawing from a course at this time requires approval of the faculty advisor and the University Registrar. If withdrawal after mid-term is approved the instructor will assign a grade of ‘WP’ or ‘WF’ (according to the student’s performance up to the date of official withdrawal) and the grade will be notated on the official transcript. A grade of ‘WP’ has no influence on the students cumulative GPA, however, a grade of ‘WF’ will count the same as an ‘F’ in calculating the student’s GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the appropriate paperwork is completed and filed when withdrawing from a course. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the Academic Advisor or the Registrar’s Office. Failure to complete the entire withdrawal process could result in the grade of ‘F’ on the official transcript and the student being responsible for full tuition and fees.

A student may not withdraw from a course after the final day of classes.

Withdrawal from The University

There are several reasons why a student may need to withdraw from the University; however, it is important that a clear understanding of the process and its consequences occurs before a final decision to leave the University takes place. Students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from their Academic Advisor and/or The Graduate School during the decision-making process. Should the final decision be to officially withdraw from the University, students must complete the appropriate paperwork with the Enrollment Services Center. The official date of withdrawal is defined as the date in which the student initiates contact with the Enrollment Services Center and/or the date in which said office becomes aware of the withdrawal. Students who wish to withdraw from a course or courses should contact the Enrollment Services Center for appropriate processing: 828.328.7300 / 800.277.5721 / Registrar@lr.edu.

It is important to realize that there are financial consequences to withdrawing after the drop/add period which will vary based upon the official date of withdrawal. These consequences will be discussed during your exit interview with the Enrollment Services Center counselor. (See Refund and Withdrawal Process below). It is imperative that the entire withdrawal process be completed prior to the student’s departure. Failure to complete the process could result in failing grades and responsibility for full tuition and fees for the semester. In considering withdrawal from the University, be advised of the following:

1. A student who withdraws from all courses during the drop/add period (typically the first five days of classes) receives no academic or financial penalties. In this case, the student’s class schedule is completely dropped from the academic record, proof of registration will not appear on the student’s official transcript, and the student is eligible for full refund of any payment made for the semester.
2. A student who withdraws from all courses during the first half of a mini-term or semester must have approval from the designated academic official on their respective campus (see below). Withdrawal from courses after the first week (drop/add period) but prior to mid-term will result in a grade of “W” on the official transcript.
3. A student may not withdraw from any classes after mid-term except under extenuating circumstances. Withdrawing from courses at this time requires approval from the designated academic official on the student’s respective campus (see below). If withdrawal after mid-term is approved the instructor will assign a grade of ‘WP’ or ‘WF’ (according to the student’s performance up to the date of official withdrawal) and the grade will be notated on the official transcript. A grade of ‘WP’ has no influence on the students cumulative GPA, however, a grade of ‘WF’ will count the same as an ‘F’ in calculating the student’s GPA.

NOTE: A student may not withdraw from courses after the final day of classes.

Withdrawal Refund Policies

Students who withdraw from courses, but remain full time will see no change in their financial aid. Students whose enrollment status changes during the drop/add period will have their charges and financial aid adjusted accordingly. Students who drop to three-quarter time or half-time after the add/drop period has ended will not experience a reduction in aid unless a corresponding reduction has been made to their charges based on an extraordinary circumstance. However, students should be aware that when determining satisfactory academic progress, the Division of Enrollment Management will factor in the courses from which they withdrew. Federal regulations require us to consider any courses for which financial aid was provided.

For students who withdraw completely, the refund percentage is based on the official withdrawal date (date on which the student initiated the withdrawal from the University through the Division of Enrollment Management).

After a student withdraws from Lenoir-Rhyne, a fair and equitable refund will be calculated according to the University Refund Policy as follows:

*Note: For refund information related to summer and Maymester sessions, please contact the Director of Student Accounts at 828.328.7705.

Prior to a refund check being issued to a withdrawn student, the University must first determine if any of the refund is due back to the Title IV Financial Aid Programs. According to the Federal Guidelines, the amount of refund due to the financial aid programs must be repaid before a refund check will be made to the student. The University reserves the right to modify the refund policy to comply with federal, state, and other regulatory bodies.

Refunds to Title IV Financial Aid Programs are distributed in the following order:

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal PELL Grant
Other Federal Aid Programs