Policies and Procedures

Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution and Potential Impacts

Students who find it necessary to cancel their registration or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the university’s official withdrawal procedures. Failure to follow formal university procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees as well as the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available from the Office of the Registrar and at Late Schedule Changes.

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department prior to withdrawing from the university regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period. Students who have received financial aid and withdraw from the institution during the academic term or payment period may need to return or repay some or all of the funds received, which may result in a debt owed to the institution.

Reducing the number of enrolled units also may affect eligibility for campus housing, international student status, and more. Before making schedule adjustments, consult the appropriate offices as described in Impact of Academic Schedule Changes.

Undergraduate students may withdraw from up to 18 semester units of CSUN coursework during their academic career. (Note: This limit does not apply to the first four weeks of each semester, when withdrawals are allowed without academic restriction or penalty.) Medical withdrawals, whether partial or complete, are also excluded from the cap. The 18-unit maximum applies only to courses taken for baccalaureate credit at CSUN, including those completed through self-support programs, such as The Tseng College of Extended Learning.

Withdrawal Policy Regarding Academic Integrity

Withdrawals will not be granted to students who are found to have committed academic dishonesty at any point while fulfilling the course requirements. It is essential for all students to uphold the standards of academic integrity to ensure a fair and respectful learning environment.

Withdrawals During the First Four Weeks of the Semester

Students who want to completely withdraw from the university prior to or during the first four weeks of the fall or spring semester (see Registration Calendar for specific deadlines) may do so without academic penalty. Students who officially withdraw after classes begin will owe a prorated tuition-fee amount. Any charges or refund amounts will display through the CSUN Portal in student SOLAR accounts approximately 4 to 6 weeks after classes begin. For more information, see Student Finance or contact University Cash Services. New and returning students who completely withdraw from the university by the end of the fourth week of the fall or spring semester are not considered continuing students and must reapply for admission to attend any subsequent semester. Those students who are continuing from the previous semester will automatically be placed on a leave of absence if they meet the criteria.

Withdrawals After the Fourth Week of the Semester

Students who must withdraw after the fourth week of the fall or spring semester and prior to the last three weeks of the fall or spring semester for reasons clearly beyond their control, and who can justify serious and compelling circumstances, may withdraw without academic penalty by securing the approval of the appropriate campus officials. Further information is available at Late Schedule Changes. If approved, the grade of “W” will be assigned for withdrawals after the fourth week of the fall or spring semester. Students completely withdrawing after the fourth week of the fall or spring semester will be considered continuing students for the next semester. Under no circumstances does nonattendance nor the stopping of payment of a check constitute a withdrawal from the university.

Withdrawals During and After the Last Three Weeks of the Semester

During the final three weeks of the fall or spring semester or thereafter, students experiencing significant challenges—such as accident, serious illness, or other circumstances beyond their control—may still explore withdrawal options when an incomplete grade is not an option. Often, this means a complete withdrawal from the university; however, if sufficient coursework has already been completed in one or more classes, it may be possible to receive a grade based on that work.

Students may obtain forms and procedural information at Late Schedule Changes or from the Office of the Registrar.

Medical Withdrawals

A medical withdrawal usually constitutes complete withdrawal from the university for the academic period in question. Medical withdrawals may be granted solely for established medical purposes and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Partial medical withdrawals may be approved when medical documentation demonstrates a direct connection to the specific demands of a course, making withdrawal appropriate. Requests for a reduced course load without clear medical justification for the courses identified do not meet the requirements.

In cases of severe illness, the student is advised to provide written permission for a representative or, if incapacitated, a student’s legal representative to request a withdrawal on the student’s behalf.

Further information is available at Late Schedule Changes.