Course Change Request

The following outlines how to request a late course action, including:

• A Late Course Add after the Add/Drop period has ended
• A Late Course Drop with no record after the Add/Drop period has ended
• A Late Withdrawal request after the Withdrawal deadline has passed

Please refer to the section that best suits your request for directions on how to submit your request to the Academic Dean’s office.

Adding/Dropping a course with no record:

During the Add/Drop Period of the Fall and Spring semesters, students can add or drop courses in SPIRE with no record.  After this time, students must submit a late course action request.

To request a Late Course Add or Drop after the Add/Drop period has ended:

• Fill out the Course Change Request form
  • Please be sure to read instructions on using fillable PDF forms on the Engineering Forms and Regulations page for help with filling out this form
  • If your request is a Late Add, your form must include your instructor’s signature
  • When attempting to add a course late, you MUST check for time conflicts BEFORE submitting your paperwork!
• Then fill out the Late Course Change Request Google Form. 
  • You will be asked to attach your Course Change Request on this form
  • If your request is a Late Add, you will also be asked to include a screenshot of email verification from your instructor supporting your Late Add request
  • If Late Add request is for an Independent Study, department approval paperwork MUST be included in submission for Late Add to be processed.

Withdrawing from a course with a W:

Between the end of Add/Drop and the last day to withdraw (viewable at the Registrar website), students can use SPIRE to withdraw from a course (with a W on their transcript). To do so, log into SPIRE and click "manage classes" then "Add/drop/edit" on left, then "W/DR Drop" (after Add/Drop).

After the last day to withdraw, students must submit a Late Withdrawal Petition in order to appeal to withdraw from a course. There must be extenuating circumstances to justify your request, e.g. severe illness, family emergency, etc. 

To request a Late Withdrawal:

• Fill out the Course Change Request form
  • Please be sure to read instructions on using fillable PDF forms on the Engineering Forms and Regulations page for help with filling out this form
• Then fill out the Late Course Change Request Google Form. 
  • You will be asked to attach your Course Change Request on this form

The RCOE Academic Dean's Advisory Committee will review all requests for late withdrawals and will notify the student of the final decision via UMass email. The committee meets once a week during the Fall and Spring semesters, and on an as-needed basis in the Summer, to review requests. We make every effort to respond within 2 business days. 

If your request is submitted within the final two weeks of the semester (not including Finals Week), your request will not be considered until AFTER grades are final.  Students must continue to attend class and complete all coursework until notified if a late withdrawal was approved. Filing a late withdrawal petition does NOT mean you are withdrawn from a class.

PLEASE NOTE: There are several factors to keep in mind when withdrawing from a course that will bring your enrollment total below a full-time load of 12 credits:

• If you are an International Student, you must check with the International Programs Office, as this may affect your visa status.
• If you are currently under your parents' health coverage, you may become ineligible. Most health insurance carriers require these students to remain full time in order to continue benefits.
• If you are receiving financial aid and you change your status, your aid may be reduced. Please check with the Office of Financial Aid.