General Questions
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What is the difference between a Drop/Add, Extended Drop, Course Withdrawal, Full-Term Withdrawal, and Voluntary Medical Withdrawal?
Drop/Add: The period in which a course can be dropped and added and both tuition and fees will be refunded. Also, the course will not appear in your transcript and your GPA will not be impacted. The Drop/Add deadline is noted in the academic calendar opens a new website as “Last day to Drop/Add.”
Extended Drop: This is a new period in which a course can be dropped and only tuition (not fees) will be refunded. Also, the course will not appear in your transcript and your GPA will not be impacted. You will need to refer to the academic calendar v\ opens a new website for full term and half session deadlines. Also, you will need to acknowledge potential financial aid implications in BlazerNet before dropping as students will be responsible for fees for the term. The extended drop deadline is noted on the academic calendar opens a new website as “Last day to drop from course with no grade assigned.”
Course Withdrawal: After the extended drop deadline, you may withdraw from one or more course(s), but not all courses. A grade of “W” will appear on your transcript, but it does not affect your GPA. Financial aid may still be impacted. You remain responsible for tuition and fees associated with the course. The course withdrawal deadline is noted in the academic calendar opens a new website as the “Last day to drop a course with a grade of W.”
Full-Term Withdrawal: This means withdrawing from all courses in a semester. It may have broader implications for financial aid, housing, and academic progress. Grades of “W” will be recorded for all courses in progress on your transcript. Any part of term already complete with a grade will remain. No refunds are associated with full-term withdrawals during Spring and Fall terms. Summer term has published deadlines for refunds academic calendar. Refunds are not available in summer outside those dates. The full-term withdrawal deadlines are noted in the academic calendar opens a new website as the “Last day to withdraw for the term (Must withdraw from all courses).”
Voluntary Medical Withdrawal: A withdrawal from one or more courses due to medical reasons, supported by documentation. This type of withdrawal is only available during the term where medical conditions impact a student’s ability to complete requirements for a specific course. Otherwise, a voluntary medical withdrawal becomes available after the term ends for 60 days. If approved, grades of ”W” will be recorded for the approved courses on your transcript. Voluntary medical withdrawal deadlines are not published and are only available for 60 days past the end of the term.
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When is the extended drop available?
The extended drop is available only in fall and spring semesters. Please consult the academic calendar opens a new website academic calendar for extended drop deadlines.
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Is the extended drop period available in summer semesters?
No, summer semesters follow a full-term withdrawal requirement with deadlines and a refund schedule. The refund schedule is published in the academic calendar opens a new website.
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I need to drop one or more classes during extended drop. What should I do?
Step 1: Talk to your academic advisor. They can help answer your questions and make sure you’re staying on track to finish your degree. Some classes aren’t offered very often, so it’s important to plan ahead. Your advisor is the best person to help you choose the right courses.
Step 2: Talk to One Stop Student Services. They can help you understand how dropping a class might affect your money—like tuition, financial aid, or refunds. They’re the best place to go for financial questions.
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Does a drop or withdrawal impact my ability to attend UAB next semester?
Usually, no. But if you drop below full-time or withdraw from all your classes, it could affect your progress toward graduation and your financial aid or scholarships.
Always talk to your academic advisor first to understand how dropping or withdrawing might change your degree plan.
Also, check with One Stop Student Services to learn how it could affect your tuition, refunds, or financial aid.
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I dropped a course during the extended drop period, but went below full-time. May I add one to make up for it?
No, classes can only be added during the drop/add period until the deadline for that part of the term.
However, if you drop a class during the full term and it’s still before the drop/add deadline for the second half of the term, you may be able to add a second-half session class.
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Does a drop during the extended drop period count as an attempt at a course?
No, it won’t count as an attempt and won’t show up on your transcript.
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What if I miss the published deadline for the extended drop period?
If you miss the extended drop deadline, your only option is to withdraw from the course. There are no exceptions to the extended drop deadline.
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I plan to graduate this semester. Will a drop during the extended drop period impact my graduation?
It could. Dropping a required course may delay your graduation. Please consult with your academic advisor before dropping any course if you are planning to graduate this term.
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I am only registered for half-semester classes. Am I eligible for the extended drop?
Yes, half-term courses follow a different schedule and deadlines. Be sure to consult the academic calendar opens a new website for the half-session class extended drop deadlines.
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Am I allowed to drop all my classes during the extended drop period?
Yes, but dropping all your classes can affect important things like your progress toward graduation, your campus housing, financial aid, scholarships, or other benefits.
Before you make this decision, talk to your academic advisor first to understand how dropping or withdrawing might delay your graduation and change your degree plan.
Also, check with One Stop Student Services to learn how it could affect your tuition, refunds, or financial aid.
Student Health & Wellness Questions
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I have a medical condition and need to get out of all my classes. Do I need to wait for a medical withdrawal period?
No, you should either drop a single class or all your classes during the extended drop period or withdraw from all classes during the full-term withdrawal window.
These options don’t require any documentation, and classes dropped during the extended drop period won’t appear on your transcript.
Medical withdrawals are intended for academic relief, not financial relief.
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If I drop all my courses or complete a full-term withdrawal, can I still be seen at Student Health?
Yes, if you were enrolled at any time during the semester, you can still be seen at Student Health during that semester. However, if you do not return next semester, you are no longer eligible.
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If I drop all my courses or complete a full-term withdrawal, can I keep my Student Health Insurance Plan?
It depends on the date of drop/withdrawal. If you are actively attending classes for at least 31 or more days after the start date of the plan, you may stay enrolled for the remainder of the term or request a prorated refund of your premium. If you drop or withdraw less than 31 days into the plan, your coverage will be removed. If your coverage has been used, you will be refunded the premium at a prorated rate.
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I need to drop a class during the extended drop period. Can I still use Student Counseling Services?
Yes, you can still get counseling through the end of the semester as long as you are still enrolled in other classes.
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I need to drop all my classes during the extended drop period. Can I still use Student Counseling Services?
You may meet with the Clinical Case Manager for assistance with a referral to a counselor outside UAB.
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I need to do a full-term withdrawal this semester. Can I still use Student Counseling Services?
If you are currently in counseling, you may continue counseling through the end of the semester.
Financial Aid, Stipend, & Scholarship Questions
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What will happen to my scholarship if I need to drop a class during the extended drop period?
Dropping below full-time enrollment (12 undergraduate credit hours or 9 graduate credit hours) can impact your scholarship. Many scholarships require you to maintain full-time status and dropping a course could cause problems for your scholarship or future eligibility for your scholarship. Also, scholarship rules require you to make academic progress of 24 credits between fall and spring term. Dropping a class could hurt that progress and put your scholarship at risk.
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My Pell grant has paid for this semester. Will I have to repay this if I drop a class and tuition is refunded?
The amount of money you get from the Federal Pell Grant depends on how many credit hours you’re taking.
If you drop a class and your total credit hours go below 12, your Pell Grant money may be reduced.
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If I drop a course during the extended drop period, will I need to repay my financial aid?
If you drop a class, your federal and state grants may be reduced.
Any scholarships or grants that help pay your tuition will be adjusted based on your new number of credit hours.
If you drop all your classes after your financial aid has already been applied, you may have to pay back some or all of the money.
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If I drop all my classes, how much of my financial aid will I need to repay?
If your financial aid is based only on tuition or how many classes you're taking, you may have to pay it back if you drop classes.
If you took out student loans, the amount you owe will be adjusted based on how much of the semester you were actually in class.
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My scholarship requires full-time status and has paid for this semester. Will I have to repay this if I drop below full-time now?
Some scholarships and financial aid require you to be a full-time student.
If you drop classes and fall below full-time status (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students):
- Your financial aid or scholarships may be reduced.
- You may lose your funding for the semester.
- You won’t be able to get that money back later.
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My tuition has been paid by an outside agency. If I drop a class, will I need to repay that agency?
If an outside agency has paid part of your tuition, and you drop classes or get a refund, UAB must return that money to the agency.
Any refund you receive will first be used to pay back the agency that helped cover your tuition.
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How does dropping a class affect my SAP status?
If you drop a class, it will not hurt your completion rate because the class no longer counts as one you tried to finish.
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If I drop a class during this extended drop period and tuition is refunded, will I owe a balance to UAB?
The extended drop period lets students get a refund for tuition. However, students still must pay for other costs like dining fees, meal plans, housing, and course-related fees (such as online, lab, or bookstore fees). Late fees and flex plan fees may also still apply.
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I am a student athlete receiving an athletic scholarship. How will dropping a class affect my scholarship?
To keep your athletic scholarship, you must be a full-time student.
If you drop below full-time, your scholarship for the semester will be canceled.
If you need to take fewer classes, you must get approval from the Office of Student-Athlete Support Services first.
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If I am an employee and I drop during the Extended Drop period, will my Educational Assistance be adjusted?
Educational Assistance will automatically adjust for dropped classes during the extended drop period.
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As a graduate student receiving a stipend, am I allowed to drop a class during the extended drop period?
Yes, but if you are receiving a stipend from UAB or another organization, it’s important to stay enrolled in at least 9 credit hours to keep your full-time status or your stipend could be reduced or stopped.
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If I receive a departmental scholarship, and I drop my class(es) during the extended period, will my scholarship be adjusted?
Departmental scholarships should be adjusted if classes are dropped, but at the discretion of each department. Students will need to discuss scholarships with their departments prior to dropping classes.
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Does dropping a course during extended drop affect my merit scholarship?
Most UAB merit scholarships require that you:
- Remain full-time, (enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester).
- Make satisfactory academic progress earning at least 24 credits during the fall and spring semesters of each academic year.
If you drop below the minimum full-time status during the extended drop period, you might:
- Have a loss or reduction of your merit scholarship.
- Have to pay back the scholarship money you already received.
For specific questions please contact
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I am a merit scholarship recipient, what should I do before dropping a course during extended drop?
Step 1: Talk to your academic advisor to see how dropping or withdrawing from a class could affect your degree plan.
Step 2: Contact the Office of Undergraduate Scholarships to find out how dropping a class might impact your scholarship.
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Can I drop a course during the Extended Drop Period without losing my scholarship if I stay enrolled full-time?
Yes, as long as you stay enrolled in 12 or more credit hours, your merit scholarship will most likely stay in place—as long as you meet all the other requirements too.
- What if I drop below full-time but have a valid reason like a medical emergency?
In special situations, you can submit a scholarship appeal with the right documents.
Keep in mind that approval is not guaranteed, and each case is reviewed individually.
- Does dropping a course affect my cumulative GPA for scholarship renewal?
No, it won’t affect your GPA because the course will not show up on your transcript. However, taking fewer classes could slow down your academic progress and delay your graduation.
On Campus Student Housing Questions
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Will I have to move out of my residence hall?
Per the Student Housing Contract, to live in housing you must be enrolled in at least:
- 12 credit hours as an undergraduate each term.
- 9 credit hours as a graduate each term.
If you drop below this requirement, you must tell Student Housing, and they will determine if you can remain in housing.
If you completely withdraw for the term, you must:
- Complete a Request for Release from Housing Contract in MyHousing.
- Move out of the residence hall.
Please contact Student Housing (
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Will I get a full refund for housing?
If you move out of your residence hall early, you may get a partial refund.
You will be charged for housing up to the day you officially check out or the day you are released from your housing contract, whichever is later.
Please contact Student Housing (
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Will I get a full refund for my meal plan?
You may receive a partial refund based on the date your housing charges end. Please contact Student Housing (
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Will I get a full refund for my $225.00 dining fee?
Per the Extended Drop Policy, institutional fees are not refundable; so, you will not receive a refund of your dining fee. Please contact Student Housing (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) with specific questions.
Athletes, Veterans and International Student Questions
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I am a Student Athlete and need to drop a class during the extended drop period. Is this possible?
Yes, but you must consult with Student-Athlete Support Services to do so as this could impact your eligibility.
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I am a Veteran receiving benefits and need to drop a class during the extended drop period. Is this possible?
Yes, but we recommend you consult with Veterans Student Services before doing so to make sure it won’t cause problems with your benefits.
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I am an International Student and need to drop a class during the extended drop period. Is this possible?
Yes, but you must consult with International Student and Scholar Services to do so as this may impact your visa.
- What if I drop below full-time but have a valid reason like a medical emergency?