Sonoma State University

Withdrawals

Deadline dates are published each semester on the Registrar’s Office website.

Before Classes Begin

You may drop all of your classes online or cancel your enrollment PRIOR to the first day of instruction with full refund of fees.

First Two Weeks of Classes

Once the semester begins, you can continue to drop online, however you cannot drop all of your classes or your only class. You must submit a Withdraw Form to the Office of the Registrar.

Third and Fourth Weeks of Classes

You can continue to drop online, however this will result in a "W" grade.

After the Fourth Week of Classes

Withdrawing from one class, some classes, or all classes requires that you have a "serious & compelling" reason as definied by the campus policy. Notice that some reasons that may feel serious to you (such as low grade) may not be permitted under the policy. Please consult your advisor and read the following correctly. 

Serious and Compelling Reasons:

For the purposes of withdrawal, the University defines "serious & compelling" as follows:

  • The standard of "serious & compelling" applies to situations, such as illness or accident, clearly beyond the student's control. All situations require documentation. 
  • The following situations are typical for which "serious & compelling" is appropriate justification for withdrawal:
    • An extended absence due to verifiable accident illness, or personal problem serious enough to cause withdrawal from the university;
    • An extended absence due to a death in the immediate family;
    • A necessary change in employment status that interferes with the student's ability to attend class (whether in person or online);
    • Errors made by SSU
  • The following situations DO NOT fall under the intent of "serious & compelling":
    • Grade anticipated in the class is not sufficiently high, or the student is doing failing work (including being penalized with a failing grade for academic dishonesty);
    • Failure to attend class (in person, or online where appropriate), complete assignments, or take a test;
    • Dissatisfaction with the course material, instructional method, or instructor; 
    • Class is harder than expected;
    • Pressure of other classes, employment, and/or participation in extracurricular activities;
    • A change of major;
    • Lack of awareness of the withdrawal process or procedures

Dropping from Full-Time to Half-Time

Students who drop from full- to half-time by the end of the second week of the semester are eligible to receive a 100 perent refund of the difference in tuition fees minus a $10 processing fee. Non-resident students who drop units by the end of the second week of the semester are eligible to receive a 100 percent refund of the difference of non-resident tuition minus a $10 processing fee.

Does Dropping or Withdrawing Affect Student Fees, Financial Aid?

A student who receives aid and drops units, withdraws, drops out, is disqualified, expelled, etc., during or after the first day of instruction will be reviewed in accordance with the Federal Return of Title IV Policy.

Federal regulations require using the pro-rata calculation, if the student withdraws on or before the 60 percent date of the enrollment period. Students who withdraw after the 60 percent date will be reviewed in accordance with the policy (California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 41802 and 41913).

A repayment situation may occur when a student receives aid then drops units or ceases attendance. SSU must determine the student's revised eligibility.

How to Withdraw from Sonoma State University

Please fill out the Withdrawal Completely from Sonoma State- for total term. Be sure to have your information ready if you are planning to withdraw and:

  • Have received financial aid
  • Need to vacate housing
  • Are an international student

Once you have completed the form, a copy will be sent to you. You will be contacted should additional information or documentation be needed.