University College

Withdrawing For Extenuating Circumstances

APPLIES TO UC STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT DECLARED A MAJOR
  • What is an Extenuating Circumstance?

     A Withdrawal for Extenuating Circumstances is an option for students who are unable to complete their coursework for an academic term due to a situation that may include, but not be limited to:

    • COVID-19
      • If an undergraduate student wishes to withdraw (W) from a single course due to COVID-19, the student can withdraw via Seanet through April 6th at midnight.  After withdrawing, the student’s record (W) is automatically switched to a WE (withdrawal for extenuating circumstance). The WE’s  do not count against an undergraduate student’s 16 credit hours of withdrawals.   
      • If an undergraduate student wishes to withdraw from a single course due to COVID-19, after the April 6th, the student must request a WE, by submitting a petition and attaching supporting documentation to ucappeals@uncw.edu . Each petition is reviewed by the appeals & extenuating circumstances committee. Undergraduate students should expect a decision within 7 – 10 business days.
      • For additional questions or concerns, please contact your academic advisor.
    • Death of an immediate family member
    • Traumatic and unforeseen circumstances that are considered beyond a student’s control
    • Serious mental health issues that have resulted in the student’s inability to complete academic responsibilities in a given term
    • Physical injury or illness that has resulted in the student’s inability to complete academic responsibilities in a given term
    • Other (i.e. Parental job loss, etc...)

    Students should note that poor academic performance in a course does not constitute an extenuating circumstance in and of itself. Withdrawals due to extenuating circumstances are still subject to all financial aid and SAP rules and calculations.

  • What are the steps to request a Withdrawal for Extenuating Circumstances?
    Application Process

    1. Submit the online request to Withdraw for Extenuating Circumstances. Complete all parts of the online application. The application must be filled out by the UNCW student requesting the withdrawal for extenuating circumstances. For questions or concerns please call UC main office - (910) 962-3245.

    2. Complete Medical Documentation Request (If Applicable).

    3. Email any documentation that supports the extenuating circumstances (i.e. Medical provider statement, CARE, Crossroads, Police Report, Obituaries) to ucappeals@uncw.edu.

    Students are emailed the decision and their academic advisor is copied on the correspondence. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor should they need additional academic support.

  • Can I pursue individual course withdrawals?

    In most cases, the answer is no. Students typically cannot select individual classes when petitioning for an extenuating circumstance withdrawal. However, there are times when something would be appropriate (i.e. breaking your leg and no longer being able to attend a dance class). Documentation that clarifies and supports individual class withdrawals are required. Please see your academic advisor if you have questions about extenuating circumstances that pertain to only one course.

  • My request to Withdraw for Extenuating Circumstances was denied. Can I appeal this decision?

    In cases where the request is denied, the student may submit, within ten regular class days of the dated decision, a written request for consideration with supporting documentation to the Committee on Withdrawal Appeals. Grounds for appeals are limited to substantive new evidence or material procedural irregularity. All decisions made by the Committee on Withdrawal Appeals are final.


If you declared a major within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) complete the CAS W.E. Form