Retroactive Course Drop or Withdrawal

A retroactive drop is a request to update your record from a past semester due to a serious or emergency situation. If approved, the grade is replaced with a 'W' (Withdrawal), which does not affect your GPA.

How to Start a Retroactive Course Drop or Withdrawal

To request a retroactive course drop or semester withdrawal, follow these steps:

1. Meet with an Academic Advisor

You must first speak with your advisor to review your situation. Retroactive petitions are only considered for serious, documented issues that affected your academic performance in a past semester.

2. Advisor Submits the Recommendation

If your advisor agrees that a retroactive drop or withdrawal is appropriate, they will submit a recommendation on your behalf using a Google Form provided by Undergraduate Education.

Note: This form is for advisors only. If your advisor doesn’t have access to it, they can contact their department director or email undergraduate-education@sjsu.edu to request the form.

3. DocuSign Petition Process

After your advisor submits the recommendation:

  • You will receive two emails:
    • Email #1: Confirms that your petition was started.
    • Email #2: Includes a link for you to complete the petition and upload your personal statement and supporting documents.

⏳ Processing Time: Retroactive petitions take 5 to 8 weeks to review. Please be patient while your request is being processed.