The university’s academic deadlines are clearly outlined in the Schedule of Classes each semester (www.testudo.umd.edu). It is expected that students assess their academic standing throughout the course of the semester and plan accordingly. Should a student encounter a circumstance or situation that is beyond his/her ability to predict or control that ultimately impacts academic performance, then a request for an exception to academic policy can be submitted for review.
Types of Exceptions to Policy
For the following requests, a student must contact the ARHU Office of Student Affairs in 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall:
- Late add of class from current semester
- Credit overload (permission to register for more than 16 credits before 1st day of classes)
- Drop more 4 credits after Schedule Adjustment
- Repeating more than 18 credits
- Permission to Enroll at another university
- Time conflict
- Late application for graduation
For the following requests, a student must submit via the online form below. Reviews of such requests take 7-10 days after all required documentation has been submitted.
Grading method (including pass-fail) may only be changed during the schedule adjustment period. Only under very unusual circumstances will exceptions to this policy be considered.
- Adding a course from a previous semester
Exceptions to this policy will only be considered with documention from the instructor/department supporting the request. Students should be mindful that this exception is reserved for situations beyond the student's control.
- DROP after schedule adjustment without a "W" (retroactive withdrawal without a "W")
Review of this request will only be considered if the student can document they either 1) never attended the course or 2) stopped attending on or before the last day of schedule adjustment. This proof must be in the form of an email from the faculty member sent directly to the
arhuexceptions@umd.edu or a letter on departmental letterhead signed by the faculty member submitted to 1120 Francis Scott Key Hall.
- DROP after withdrawal period with a "W" (retroactive withdrawal with a "W")
Students who missed the deadline for the last day to drop a course with a “W” and can document they have extenuating circumstances may apply for this exception. Supporting documentation must be included - email from the faculty member sent directly to the
arhuexceptions@umd.edu or a note on departmental letterhead signed by the faculty member and/or medical documentation. Please note that if you attended and completed the course, it is highly unlikely that your request will be approved.
For any request not designated above and not listed as requiring to meet with an ARHU Advisor. Concerns with grades disputes, requirements of the major should be handled at the department level.
To complete the online Dean's Exception to Policy Request Form, click here.
