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Academic Options for Students with Extenuating Circumstances

 

There are several options for students who have experienced extraordinary circumstances that have significantly impacted their ability to complete coursework:

  • Request flexibility regarding assignments and exams* 
  • Request an Incomplete grade
  • Petition for a retroactive withdrawal from the quarter
  • Petition for a retroactive withdrawal from a course

* Please note that any requests for flexibility outside of Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) accommodations are at the sole discretion of the instructor. 

Academic Advisors are available to help students determine the most appropriate option based on their individual circumstances.  

Students are encouraged to reach out to their college and/or major advisors via the Virtual Advising Center (vac.ucsd.edu) with any questions or to request an appointment.

Incomplete Grade

Consider requesting an Incomplete grade when:

  • The majority of the coursework has been completed at a passing level.
  • Additional time is needed to complete a course due to documented extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. 

Retroactive Withdrawal from a Quarter

Consider requesting a retroactive withdrawal from the quarter when:

  • A student has not been able to complete any coursework at a passing level due to documented serious personal circumstances. 

To request retroactive withdrawal from the entire quarter:

  • Submit an Undergraduate Student Petition with a request for W for each course, personal statement, and supporting documentation of extenuating circumstances to the relevant College Advising Office.
  • If the request for retroactive withdrawal is submitted before the end of Week 10, the College makes the final decision.
  • If the request for retroactive withdrawal is submitted after Week 10, the College reviews the petitions and if approved, sends it to the Academic Senate for final review.

Retroactive Withdrawal from a Course

Consider requesting a retroactive withdrawal from a course when:

  • A student has not been able to complete coursework for a class at a passing level due to documented serious personal circumstances but has been able to complete coursework in other classes.

Note that petitions must demonstrate how/why a student’s extraordinary circumstances impacted one course and not others.

To request retroactive withdrawal from one or more courses, but not the entire quarter:

  • Submit an Undergraduate Student Petition with a request for W, personal statement, and supporting documentation of extenuating circumstances to instructor and department for review.
  • If approved, send the signed petition and attached documents to the relevant College Advising Office.
  • If the request for retroactive withdrawal from a course is submitted before the end of Week 10, the College makes the final decision.
  • If the retroactive withdrawal from a course is submitted after Week 10, the College reviews the petitions and if approved, sends it to the Academic Senate for final review.