Retroactive Withdrawal Policy

Students wishing to withdraw from a course are expected to do so by the withdrawal deadline published in the academic calendar for the semester in which the course is offered. In the case of unforeseen extenuating circumstances, a student may petition to be retroactively withdrawn from one or more courses taken in a previous semester. These requests are infrequently granted and only for such circumstances including, but not limited to, debilitating mental health or physical health problems, family emergencies, or financial problems. Other issues, including but not limited to poor academic performance, GPA, failure to attend class, or failure to abide by the withdrawal deadline, are not acceptable as standalone reasons for retroactive withdrawal. 

Retroactive withdrawals are distinct from grade appeals, which are described in the academic catalog, as well as financial appeals. Students may be responsible for some tuition charges for retroactively withdrawn courses and should contact Student Financial Services before requesting a retroactive withdrawal to understand potential impacts. International students should contact the Office of International Affairs before requesting a retroactive withdrawal to ensure that, if granted, it would not jeopardize a student’s visa status.

A petition for retroactive withdrawal may be filed after the withdrawal deadline for the semester in which the course was taken and before the last day of the following fall or spring semester. After this date, a petition may still be submitted, but the student must also request an extension to this deadline and document compelling reasons for doing so. A retroactive withdrawal cannot be granted if a degree has been conferred.

All petitions for retroactive withdrawal should:

• specify which course(s) in which semester(s) the student wishes to be retroactively withdrawn from, as well as the last date of attendance for each course in question;
• provide a narrative of the circumstances that prevented them from completing their studies and withdrawing by the published deadline (and, if filing after the retroactive petition deadline, explain why they were unable to file the petition by this deadline); and
• (optionally) include supporting documentation such as letters of support from an academic department chairperson, faculty, advisor, or the offices of Health, Counseling, Learning/Access Center, or others, as relevant. Keep in mind that these letters are not to be thought of as an automatic reason for retroactive withdrawal, rather they are additional information for consideration.

Petitions should be sent to the Office of the Provost at provaa@pratt.edu.

Students who are exploring retroactive withdrawal on the basis of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct concerns should contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX to learn about resolution procedures and further support, including assistance with a retroactive withdrawal petition; personal statements and documentation may not be required.

Requests for retroactive withdrawals are reviewed by the Associate / Vice Provost for Academic Affairs in consultation with the Provost and with Student Affairs and other offices, as relevant. The decisions reached by the Associate / Vice Provost are final and non-negotiable.