Add/Drop & Course Withdrawals

Through the start of each term, students have the ability to drop and add courses via Albert. The length of the Add/Drop period varies as follows:

Term Add/Drop period

Fall

First two weeks from start of term

Spring

First two weeks from start of term

Summer

By session, as detailed in the NYU Academic Calendar

Non-attendance in class does not automatically drop a student from a course. 

Specific deadlines and dates for each term are listed on the University's Academic Calendar. Students need instructor permission before adding a course after the first class meeting.

Courses that begin after the Add/Drop deadline or that have special meeting patterns may be dropped without a "W" within 1 business day of the first class meeting, or prior to the second class meeting - whichever comes first, by submitting a Class Withdrawal Request via Albert. A 100% refund of tuition and fees will be granted at this time.

If you would like to swap a class with another open class within 1 business day of the first class meeting of the class you would like to drop, please contact the Office of Academic Services. For faster service, please include your University ID (N number) in your email. 

Special meeting patterns include:

  • 1.5-credit courses offered in the second-half of the term
  • January intensive courses
  • Spring Break intensive courses
  • Summer classes in which the first class meeting is after the summer session's course drop deadline

When dropping courses, students must be aware of the Tuition Refund Schedule. Tuition refunds are given according to the Bursar's schedule, and registration and service fees are never refundable once the term begins.

If you have additional concerns, please consult with your program advisor or contact Academic Services.

Withdrawing from Courses

Non-attendance in class does not automatically withdraw students from a course.  To withdraw officially after the Add/Drop period, students must contact Academic Services. Withdrawing from a course means the course remains on the transcript, but the student is awarded a "W" instead of a grade. Students must request withdrawal from a course prior to the 9th week of classes in the fall and spring semesters. For special meeting pattern courses in the fall and spring terms, the request must be made prior to the date of the final class meeting.  For the summer term, the request must be made prior to the date of the final class meeting. Please refer to the NYU Academic Calendar for specific dates. 

Students should consult with their program advisor before requesting a class withdrawal.

If a student withdraws from a required course, s/he must repeat the course in the next semester it is offered by re-registering and paying the full tuition and fees.  Withdrawing from a course constitutes an attempt at completing the course.  Students are only allowed two attempts at any course.

Be sure to consult with Tuition Refund page for information about withdrawals and complete withdrawals.

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