Withdrawing from a Course with a Grade of “W”

Students may withdraw from a course with a grade of “W” using the Withdraw function in Workday during the course withdrawal period. Deadline dates are published in the Academic Calendar.

The grade of “W” has no effect upon a student's grade point average (GPA). Courses graded “W” do not count toward the minimum semester total of 12 credits required for good academic standing.

Students who are administratively withdrawn from a class due to behavioral issues as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct will also have the "W" notation on their transcript. 

Withdrawing from a RISD Global Off-Campus Program

Prior to RISD Global Program Commencement:

Requesting to withdraw from a RISD off-campus global learning program (including, but not limited to, Global Exchange, Semester Studies, Global Summer Studies, and Wintersession Travel Courses) after acceptance is strongly discouraged. If a withdrawal if necessary prior to the start of the program, students must submit a petition to RISD Global at least 45 days before the program begins. The petition will be reviewed by a committee, and students will be notified no later than 15 days after the petition is received.

Students must provide RISD Global with any pertinent information supporting their request. Note that if a student is approved to withdraw in advance, a full reimbursement is only possible if the School has not yet incurred any associated costs. The non-refundable deposit for RISD Global Summer Studies is not eligible for reimbursement.

Prior to First-Year Florence Program Commencement:

Requesting to withdraw from the First-Year Florence Program strongly discouraged. If a withdrawal if necessary prior to the start of the program, students must submit a petition to Experimental and Foundation Studies at least 45 days before the program begins. The petition will be reviewed by a committee, and students will be notified no later than 15 days after the petition is received.

Students should ensure that any information or documentation relevant to the request is included at the time of submission.

After Program Commencement:

It is not possible for a student to drop a RISD off-campus global learning program (including, but not limited to, Global Exchange, Semester Studies, Global Summer Studies, Wintersession Travel Courses, and First-Year Florence Program) through the standard Add/Drop process once the program has begun.

In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, and only after consulting with the faculty lead, the host school’s international office, RISD Global, and/or Experimental and Foundation Studies to seek approval for withdrawal, students should be aware that no refund will be issued. Returning to RISD for the in-progress semester is not an option.