Dropping Classes

You are responsible for knowing the consequences of changing your class registration. Please contact the appropriate office to obtain information before taking action.

NOTE: If this is your first quarter at Ohio State, you will need to schedule an appointment with your advisor to make changes to your registration.

Should I drop a class?

Dropping a class is a serious decision and can have many consequences. At the Ohio State University you have two advisors: your Arts and Sciences academic advisor and your major advisor. Please contact them to determine if you should drop a class.

What are the consequences of dropping a class now?Your financial aid, scholarships, work-study, and other awards may be adjusted.

Dropping a class can affect your eligibility for certain types of financial aid including loans, work-study, scholarships, benefits received under the G.I. Bill, and employee tuition benefits. You may be required to pay back money you have already received. This is particularly true if you are dropping below full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more). To determine whether dropping a class will affect your financial status, please contact the appropriate office before you take any action:

Your academic record may be affected.

Depending on the specific week of the quarter, you could receive a notation of a “W” on your academic transcript. If you have a significant number of W’s on your record, it may suggest a pattern of careless enrollment which could be considered in applications for graduate or professional programs.

Progress toward your degree may be delayed.

Certain classes may require prerequisites in order to proceed with the next class. Some classes are only offered once a year or at irregular times. These factors can delay your progress significantly as the opportunity to retake a class might not be available for a while. Please contact your Arts and Sciences advisor and your major advisor to determine course availability and to reconsider your degree plan.

Health and automobile insurance coverage may change.

Health and automobile insurance companies sometimes base eligibility for coverage and discounts on enrollment. Falling below full-time status (12 credit hours or more) could cause you to lose your benefits. Please contact your insurance provider to determine how you will be affected.

Residency qualifications for residence halls or visas may be affected.

Your dorm contract may require you to be enrolled for a specific number of hours. Similarly, for international students, your eligibility to continue studying in the United States may be affected. Please contact the appropriate office before you take action:

Employee tuition benefits may be retracted.

Depending on the time in the quarter, you may be required to pay back tuition benefits that you received. Please contact Human Resources for more information before proceeding.

Athletic eligibility could change.

Dropping a class could change your academic status and render you ineligible to participate in athletic programs. It is imperative that you see an Arts and Sciences advisor before you take any action.

When can I drop a class?

You can drop a class on or before the seventh Friday of the quarter. For current quarter deadlines, visit the Registrar's website.

  • On or before the third Friday, no record of your enrollment will be recorded on your transcript.
  • After the third Friday, you will receive a “W” on your transcript.
  • After the seventh Friday, you cannot drop any classes except by a successful petition filed in the Arts and Sciences Advising Office.

If, because of extreme extenuating circumstances, you need to drop a class after the seventh Friday, make an appointment with an Arts and Sciences academic advisor to help you with the petition.

  • You will need supporting evidence for your circumstances.
  • You cannot drop after the seventh week solely because you are doing poorly in a class.
  • Your petition may not be granted.
  • Plan to continue attending the course until a decision on your petition has been made.

How do I drop a class?

NOTE: If this is your first quarter at Ohio State, you will need to see your advisor to make changes to your registration.

How do I drop before the third Friday?

You can drop classes online yourself during the first three weeks of each quarter, but it is strongly recommended that you seek advising before dropping a class.

Ohio State students drop classes using the Buckeye Link website:

  • STEP 1. Review the consequences of dropping at this point in the quarter by contacting the appropriate offices.
  • STEP 2. Log on to your Student Center by entering your Ohio State username and password.
  • STEP 3. Click “Drop a Class,” choose the quarter and year for which you are currently enrolled, then click the “Continue” button.
  • STEP 4. Select the course(s) you wish to drop.
  • STEP 5. Review the Student Center Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to add a course(s).

Once you update your schedule, you cannot undo the course drop. Please be careful when selecting a course to drop.

If you need assistance dropping a class, please print and completely fill out the Course Enrollment Permission Form (mark option L) and return it to 100 Denney Hall. Please know that we are located in 437 Lincoln Tower for autumn quarter 2009.

How do I drop before the seventh Friday?

You can drop classes before the seventh Friday, but there may be possible academic and financial consequences. It is strongly recommended that you seek advising before dropping a class.

  • STEP 1. Review the consequences of dropping at this point in the quarter by contacting the appropriate offices.
  • STEP 2. Print and completely fill out the Course Enrollment Permission Form marking option L.
  • STEP 3. Return the form to 100 Denney Hall. Please know that we are located in 437 Lincoln Tower for autumn quarter 2009.
  • STEP 4. Verify that the course has been dropped by going to your Student Center.

Once you have dropped a class, you cannot undo the action. Please be careful when selecting a course to drop and be aware of the consequences of dropping.

Can I drop a class after the seventh Friday?

You cannot drop or modify your schedule after the seventh Friday except by a successful petition filed in the Arts and Sciences Advising Office.

If, because of extreme extenuating circumstances, you need to drop a class after the seventh Friday, make an appointment with an Arts and Sciences academic advisor to help you with the petition.

  • You will need supporting evidence for your circumstances.
  • You cannot drop after the seventh week solely because you are doing poorly in a class.
  • Your petition may not be granted.
  • Plan to continue attending the course until a decision on your petition has been made.