The automatic-withdrawal (Auto-W) deadline is a tool that students can strategically use as they navigate their academic career. Carolyn Blank, associate director of advising in the College of Arts and Sciences, answers common questions about Auto-W.
W stands for withdrawal. It appears on your transcript in place of a grade and shows that you were enrolled in a class but dropped it. A grade of W is given automatically during the automatic-W period.
After the automatic-W period, special permission is required to drop courses, and this is only given in cases of unavoidable emergency that occur after the Auto-W deadline. If you drop a course you’re failing after the automatic-W period, you’ll receive an F.
The Auto-W policy is there because life happens. Sometimes you take on too much in a semester. Or maybe you realize that the subject you’re trying out isn’t right for you. There are so many reasons you might take the W.
A class with a W does not factor into your GPA.
Gather information first so you can make an educated and strategic decision before the Auto-W deadline. The questions I ask students who are considering a withdrawal are: Have you talked to the instructor? Do you have a good feel for how you stand in the class? Sometimes students think they aren’t doing well, and they’re actually doing just fine.
How much time do you give to the class? Maybe you need to step up the time you devote to studying rather than drop the class. Do your other obligations conflict with dedicating yourself to this class? Can you let something else go?
It also depends on when you are asking these questions. Do you have time to turn it around?
Technically, as many as you want or need. But, there might be consequences.
Choosing to withdraw from a course might cost you money if you need to make up the credits later outside IU’s flat-fee structure, it could affect your scholarship or financial aid eligibility, or it could impact future choices such as graduate, law, or medical school.
What it doesn’t impact, usually, is applying for jobs. Most employers don’t ask for transcripts.
Typically, one or two Ws are not impactful. Usually, in an application process, you’ll be allowed to explain the situation. “Oh, that semester I took on too much.”
It may be a red flag to programs more when there’s a pattern, like taking a W every semester. In a semester where all classes are W, typically programs will want to know what happened.
Check with your intended graduate program if you have additional questions or concerns.
There is no one answer to this question. Talk to Student Central to discuss your circumstances.
There are different Auto W deadlines for first 8-week, full-term, and second 8-week courses. Be sure to check the official IU calendar for the dates each semester.
Note that deadlines are traditionally on Sundays or Mondays; make sure to think ahead and talk with your instructor or academic advisor well beforehand. IU faculty and staff are typically not available on the weekends.
It will depend on your specific schedule, but for most financial aid, scholarships, and IU housing, students need to maintain full-time student status at 12 or more credit hours. If you drop a course that causes you to be below full time, you can look at adding a second-8-week course to make sure you maintain full time status. It is always recommended to check in with your financial aid/scholarships before making any class adjustments.
Second 8-week courses typically start before the Auto-W deadline, so planning ahead helps you have more flexibility and choices.
