UW Grade Appeals

The UW grade is an Unofficial Withdrawal. It is calculated into your GPA as a failing grade. The UW is given to students who have neglected to officially withdraw from a class through the add/drop process or through the college office. Students who stop attending a class without dropping that course officially may be given a UW or F as a grade in the course.

• Talk to your professor if you have received a UW. Ask if he or she would agree to change the UW to a W (Official Withdrawal with no effect on your GPA).  

• If your professor agrees, you need to appeal in writing to your college office. (If you attend the College of Arts and Sciences, your professor MUST write the letter of appeal on your behalf). Explain the circumstances that prevented you from officially withdrawing from the course. Your professor must complete and submit the drop form plus a change of grade form. 

• Most colleges will only consider a UW grade appeal for students who have experienced extenuating circumstances or if there was a University error in assigning the grade.