While the new withdrawal policy limits the number of classes undergrads can maroon mid-semester, administrators behind the change say the policy was enacted to goad graduation.
“Keep in mind that the policy was in no way meant to be punitive,” said Katharine Cole, the associate dean of undergraduate studies at USF.
Cole spearheaded the policy change after collecting data about undergrads’ withdrawal numbers from the last two years. Cole found that “very few students who withdraw from more than six courses ever end up finishing their degree,” she said.
The new policy allows undergrads with less than 60 credit hours three classes to withdraw from, and those with over 60 credit hours are granted two.
“You don’t think about how much that costs,” said Robert Potter, associate dean of graduate and undergraduate studies at USF.
With in-state tuition at $153.49 per credit hour for undergrads at USFSP, five withdrawals average to over $2,300.
Cole sent out an email to all undergraduates regarding the policy change, noting the drawbacks of having an unlimited amount of withdrawals. Cole wrote it increased student debt, reduced student ability to secure and maintain financial aid, and impacted students’ ability to graduate.
Potter agrees the “long-overdue policy” will change student’s attitudes. When students start a course without a strong intent to finish, there’s no urgency or effort, Potter said.
“It’s not good for the university when kids don’t finish their degrees,” Potter said.
Universities across the state have varying withdrawal policies. At Florida State University in Tallahassee withdrawals are unlimited, but at the University of Florida in Gainesville students are limited four withdrawals.
Cole said the policy change shouldn’t affect many students, because data indicated about 15 percent of USF Tampa students had more than five withdrawals.
Only in extenuating circumstances will more than five withdrawals be permitted to students. If students reach the withdrawal limit, the registration system will block further course exiting.
The policy change is part of USF’s Student Success “Take 15” Campaign, which encourages students to enroll in 15 credit hours per semester, promoting a four-year path to a bachelor’s degree.
