FAQ: Is It Better To Withdraw From A Class OR Accept A Failing Grade?

Choosing the right courses, professors, and class times can be some of the most stressful and frustrating part of the registration process. Many students spend a great deal of time choosing these variables in order to create the optimum environment conducive to their learning. Unfortunately, some time despite all the planning, things don't work out favorably and students are put in a position to determine whether or not they will withdraw from a class or accept a failing grade.

A course withdrawal is when a student officially removes them self from a course with the instructors written consent. If a student chooses to withdraw from a course they receive no credit for that course and the withdrawal appears on their transcript as a "W." On the contrary, accepting a failing grade results in the acquisition of course credit, but a decrease in Grade Point Average.

"A 'W' is always gunna hurt you better than a poor grade," said Annette Uvena, Coordinator of Academic Services. "A 'W' doesn't affect your GPA."

Lester B. Baltimore
Associate Provost, Academic Affairs,
 Academic Services & Retention

In order to help assess if you need to withdraw from a course in the early stages of the semester, early warning letters are sent out by Lester B. Baltimore, Associate Provost of Academic Affairs Academic Services and Retention. The early warning system was created to help identify students who are experiencing academic anxiety. Frequent absences, failure to complete assignments, and poor class participation are just some of the examples of actions that would result in an early warning letter.

“We recommend students who are getting ‘D’s’ and ‘F’s’ that is going to lower your grade to withdraw,” said Uvena. Uvena adds that it if a student is contemplating withdrawing they should have exhausted all of their possibilities such as “speaking with the professor and going to the learning center.”

For those who are considering just sticking it out, all hope is not lost. If you receive a poor grade and you choose to repeat the course, you won’t get the credit again, you’ll get the grade and both grades will be averaged into your GPA, stated Uvena.

This decision may be a little more critical for students planning to continue their education in grad school where their transcript is a major determinant of their acceptance. Before making any rash decisions Uvena advises that you talk with someone about it. “Your transcript wants to look consistent of what you’re capable of.”