When "W" does not mean "win"
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The start of a new semester can stir a lot of intense emotions in college students. Whether you are a new or returning Lee student, you have likely felt a mix of anxiety and excitement over the past few weeks. It takes time, but most students adjust to their new classes.
On the other hand, there are some instances in which a student may feel overwhelmed by a class. When a student feels like they have taken on too much, they may consider withdrawing from a class. Though this may seem intimidating, there are people who are here at Lee to advise you on the withdrawal process.
After the initial add/drop period is over, students can choose to withdraw from a class, and thus receive a “W” on their transcript. These withdrawals are processed through the Records Office.
University Registrar Erin Looney aids students in the withdrawal process in the Records Office.
“Our office is the place where you would go to do any of those kinds of withdrawals … we process all of those actual changes in our system to remove you from the class,” Looney said.
To begin the class withdrawal process, students must obtain a Change of Schedule form from the Records Office.
According to Lee University’s 2025-2026 catalog:
“The form must be filled out in its entirety, signed and dated, and signed by his/her academic advisor. The student should submit the form, complete with signatures, to the Records Office to update the electronic record.”
The process itself may sound simple, but students should consider certain factors before they withdraw from a class. Financial aid, full-time status, and academic progress, can all have future implications if a student chooses to withdraw.
“We'll often ask several questions of the student … like, ‘Will dropping this class drop you below full time,’ because there are several students that need to stay full time for whatever reason … and then we will ask them if they’ve talked with Financial Aid,” Looney said.
Crystal Dake, student financial specialist at Student Financial Services, also emphasizes the importance of consulting with someone who can help them navigate their financial aid.
“Students need to make sure to speak with the Financial Aid Office. That is first and foremost important, especially if students have any Lee academic scholarships and for Tennessee residents who receive the HOPE scholarship,” Dake said.
Academic progression toward degree completion should also be factored into making the decision of whether or not to withdraw.
“Anytime a student withdraws, then they have to think about where they’re going to add that class back, potentially, in the rest of their time at Lee. I think withdrawing could impact progression in that way,” Looney said.
As for an impact on grades, any class withdrawal will result in a “W” on a student’s transcript. Though a “W” does not affect GPA, anyone who views the transcript will be able to see a student withdrew from a class. This may not matter in some cases, but may be detrimental to students pursuing a postgraduate education.
Academic advisors, the Records Office, Financial Aid, and Student Financial Services, are just a few of the resources that can help students who have questions or concerns about class withdrawals.
The last day to withdraw from a class is Monday, November 3. For information about the withdrawal process, visit Lee University's Catalog for the 2025-2026 school year.
