Beginning this spring, the last day for a student to drop a class will permanently move to an earlier time in the semester. The spring 2009 deadline, set for March 27, is due to the Six-Drop Rule that was implemented in the fall of 2008.
The rule states that undergraduate students who took on a full-time undergraduate schedule beginning in the fall semester of 2007 or later, may drop a maximum of six courses during their studies at a Texas public institution.
According to Paige Bussell of the Registrar’s office, the rule will aid students in obtaining their degree in the shortest time frame possible.
“The University had been looking at implementing a rule to limit drops just prior to this legislation taking effect,” Bussell said. “The state is looking to reduce costs and this is one way to limit funding to institutions as they move to fund higher education based on course completion.”
Any course dropped after the 12th class day of the fall/spring semester (or the 4th class day of the summer term) will count as one of the six dropped classes regardless of the credit hour value.
“At first I thought it was a little harsh, but when you think about the fact that the student and/or parent is paying for the courses that they drop, it will make them think twice about dropping,” Penny Dooley, Administrative Assistant to the Dean for Records and Reports said. “I think it will also make the student more cautious about what courses they register for and make sure it is a course they need.”
In addition to the other stipulations of the new drop rule, a Q has since replaced the DP and DF that once represented a dropped course.
“It’s not fair that we as students can only drop a certain amount of classes,” Stephanie Hawkins, junior Elementary Education major said. “If we’re paying for the classes, it shouldn’t matter to them how many times we drop one.”
Dropping numerous courses can impact a students financial aid status as well as their extracurricular activities and scholarships. Bussell advises that student’s double check with any organizations before dropping a class.
“At the beginning of the semester, carefully evaluate your classes and if you see problems, talk to your instructor or advisor as soon as possible to avoid dropping if at all possible,” Bussell said.