As soon as a graduate student determines that he or she must withdraw from a course or courses, the student should take action to do so. Early in a semester or term, a student may be able to withdraw from a course or courses via MyNIU. After the drop/add deadline, a student must present a "Schedule Change" form to each instructor of record assigned to the course or courses for which the student is registered. View instructions and deadlines for withdrawing, dropping and adding courses.
Since the Graduate School must approve all requests to withdraw after receiving an instructor-awarded grade, the date that the Graduate School receives a properly signed “Schedule Change” form is the date assigned for billing purposes.
Medical Withdrawal
To secure a medical withdrawal, see above. If the date on which the signed "Schedule Change" form is substantively different from the last date of attendance, a student may pursue a medical withdrawal.
To do so, the student should contact the Division of Academic Affairs at medappeal@niu.edu. Once Health Services establishes the date of onset for a debilitating condition, the Graduate School will consult with faculty to determine the student's last date of attendance. The latter date will be used for billing purposes.
Active Military Service or Disaster Relief Volunteers
To secure a withdrawal for military or volunteer work, see above. If the date on which the signed “Schedule Change” form is substantively different from the last date of attendance, a student may for billing purposes appeal the effective date of the withdrawal.
To do so, the student should write the associate dean and present copy of military orders or verification of volunteer services.