Withdrawal (Special Exception)

Retroactive Withdrawal Procedures

Students are expected to withdraw from the semester according to the policy and procedures outlined by the University. It is the student’s responsibility to know and adhere to all academic policies. In exceptional cases, a retroactive withdrawal may be granted based on documented requests in which extenuating circumstances significantly impaired the student's ability to complete the semester and officially withdraw by the established semester deadlines. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, medical or psychological causes.

The Office of the Registrar will only review requests for a complete semester withdrawal impacting all courses. If the request concerns a single course, students should contact their advising college. Exceptions for a retroactive withdrawal are granted only in the event of rare and extraordinary circumstances that were beyond a student’s control. The University does not make exceptions for poor judgement, poor performance, or forgetfulness. If your circumstances involve factors beyond your control, please follow the steps below to submit an Appeal for Special Exception.

Steps to submit an Appeal for Special Exception:

  1. Fill out the Appeal for Special Exception form, and submit your completed and signed form to registrar-appeals@umd.edu.
  2. Review the Appeals Checklist and begin gathering the supporting documentation you will need to submit.
  3. Check your email to confirm receipt of your form from registrar-appeals@umd.edu. This email will provide you with a link to your personal Box folder and instructions on how to use Box. The email will also contain information about the types of supporting documentation you will be required to submit.
  4. Log into Box with your UMD login information. If you are not a current UMD student, you can register with Box for free. Your access will give you the ability to upload files related to your appeal and view what will be submitted to the Appeals Committee, but you won't be able to delete or edit anything once you complete the upload.
  5. Fill out the Appeals Checklist and mark off the documentation you are submitting, and then upload the checklist and your documentation to the Box folder.
  6. When all of your required documents are uploaded, email registrar-appeals@umd.edu to indicate your submission is complete.
  7. Review of your appeal will not begin until all required materials have been submitted.
  8. You will be notified on the decision of your appeal by email at the email address you list on your original Appeal request form.

Your Appeal for Special Exception requires intensive review and may take 3 - 4 weeks for you to be notified of a decision. The Office of the Registrar is subject to University System of Maryland and State of Maryland Legislative audits, for which each appeal must be justified and have clear and proper documentation for each case.