Administrative Withdrawal

An administrative withdrawal may be initiated by a faculty member at any time during the semester up to the date of regular withdrawal. An administrative withdrawal may be based on any of the following:

1. Excessive absence
2. Lack of progress
3. Student behavior that interferes with the instruction process.

Note: This policy does not preclude the student's responsibility to withdraw from classes. Students are required to officially withdraw in writing and are financially responsible for all charges to the student's account minus any refunds/credits as determined by policy.

I. Excessive Absence

If a student consistently fails to meet the attendance requirements of the class, the instructor may recommend an administrative withdrawal to the registrar. In all cases where excessive absence is the basis for an administrative withdrawal, attendance requirements must be specified in detail in the course syllabus and all absences documented.

II. Unsatisfactory Progress

If a student does not make satisfactory progress, the faculty member should consult with the student to determine the reason for the lack of progress and to make the student aware of the implications of an administrative withdrawal. The student's academic advisor should also be contacted and efforts made to determine the cause of the difficulty and to identify strategies to improve the chances of success. If the above efforts fail, the instructor may recommend that the student withdraw from the particular course. If the student chooses not to withdraw, the student will receive the grade earned. The instructor may recommend an administrative withdrawal through the registrar.

III. Inappropriate Behavior

If a student engages in behavior that interferes with the instructional process, the faculty member should discuss with the student the possibility of an administrative withdrawal and establish guidelines for continued enrollment in the class. The faculty member may choose to involve the appropriate associate or assistant vice president or the Dean of Students and Campus Life in this process. If the guidelines are not satisfactorily met by the student, or the student does not respond to an invitation to meet with the faculty member, the faculty member may recommend to the Registrar that the student be administratively withdrawn.

When a faculty member believes that it would be in the best interest of a student and/or the University to initiate an administrative withdrawal, the following should occur:

1. An administrative withdrawal form is completed by the faculty member and sent to the registrar along with all necessary supporting documentation.
   
2. Immediately upon receipt of a recommendation for an administrative withdrawal, the Registrar will notify the student of the withdrawal and the basis for the administrative withdrawal decision.
   
3. A student who desires to contest the withdrawal must do so in writing to the registrar within ten calendar days of the date on the notification letter or no later than five calendar days before the beginning of final exams.
   
4. Grades will be assigned and tuition/fees refunded according to the current MSU withdrawal/refund policy.