Frequently Asked Questions

The MCW withdraws students from ALL courses for the semester, while the SCLR withdraws students from some, but not all courses. Both application types will be submitted here.

A: The final day to submit a MCW or SCLR application is the last class day of the following semester. (Ex: the deadline for Fall 2025 is the last day of Spring 2026).The deadline for summer applications is the last class day of the subsequent fall semester.

Documentation that supports the reason for withdrawal such as doctor’s notes, obituaries, medical records, and police reports are accepted. (Personal statements can be used in lieu of documentation in certain compassionate circumstances; when a personal statement is submitted, the student is required to meet with the Dean of Students staff.)

MCW applications are processed within 14 days and SCLR applications within 21 days. These timelines pause until all required documentation is received and may be extended during university closures, holidays, other disruptions, or unusual circumstances warranting a delay.

MCW and SCLR requests are limited to one per student during their career at UTA. However, exceptions can be made in unusual circumstances if the new situation is unexpected, unforeseen, and completely unrelated to the issue that led to the first withdrawal or selective course load reduction. Undergraduate and graduate studies are considered separate “careers” at UTA for purposes of MCW/SCLR requests.

Retroactive requests must include documentation showing why the request was delayed in addition to providing documentation verifying the unforeseen or emergent circumstances from that semester.

An approved MCW is not a tuition or fee refund; that is a separate process available here. We encourage students to meet with their advisor to discuss how the approved CMW or SCLR affects their degree plan. Please note that all approved decisions are final and cannot be reversed.

We encourage students to meet with their advisor to discuss next academic steps. If you wish to appeal the decision, you may submit an appeal here. Appeals must be submitted within 14 days of the denial notification.

No, this is a one-time request; however, exceptions can be made depending on the circumstances. (See “How many MCW or SCLR can a student receive?” above.)

No. Withdrawals are not permitted for courses involving academic misconduct.

MCW withdrawals (“W”/“Q”) do not count toward the limit. SCLR withdrawals (“W”) do count toward the limit.

Students should contact Financial Aid and Scholarships, Military and Veterans Services, Housing and Residence Life, Athletics, and Office of International Education (for international students) to understand how the withdrawal affects benefits, visas, or eligibility.

The withdrawal Committee has final authority for MCW requests. For SCLR, the designated Associate Dean of the college of the student’s major makes the final decision after Committee recommendation.

The application will be closed if required materials are not submitted in a timely fashion.

No. Once approved, MCW and SCLR decisions are final and cannot be undone.

Pregnancy students have the ability to request withdrawal from classes, even when it is outside of ordinary withdrawal limitations. For example, pregnant students may request a retroactive withdrawal, based on an individualized assessment of the student's circumstances.

To seek consideration, the pregnant student should submit the Medical and Compassionate Withdrawal/Selective Course Load Reduction Application (DF-SL-SH-F-02) when the withdrawal is needed for the current semester or the semester prior. This must include appropriate documentation to verify the pregnancy and to explain the circumstances surrounding the request, including any medical complications. This process should be used when the withdrawal is sought after the regular course drop deadline.

For withdrawal requests more than one semester prior, the same application or the Pregnant and Parenting Students (DF-EI-F-02) form should be used for review by designated University staff to determine eligibility for retroactive withdrawal. Considerations include:

• Medical complications;
• Student's reasonable ability to submit the request earlier;
• Whether the request is for one course or all courses;
• Communication attempts with faculty;
• Financial aid implications;
• Visa implications;
• Other available academic options; and
• Implications on future semesters.

See EI-PO-11, Student Pregnancy and Parenting Nondiscrimination Policy here for more information.

All questions regarding the process, eligibility, or application status should be directed to cmw@uta.edu or 817-272-7862. More information can also be found here.