Hardship Withdrawal Appeal

PLEASE NOTE:

• International students are strongly urged to meet with International Student Services prior to engaging in this process. 
• Financial aid recipients are strongly urged to meet with a representative in Student Financial Aid and Scholarships prior to engaging in this process.
• The hardship withdrawal appeal process addresses course withdrawal only.   Students who have already withdrawn from courses and are seeking a refund of tuition charges may file a tuition charge refund appeal at the link found here.
• Students appealing to be withdrawn from study abroad courses should contact their study abroad advisor before before filing their appeal.

The hardship withdrawal appeal process applies when a Western Michigan University student has experienced hardship circumstances beyond their control which negatively impacted their ability to succeed in their coursework. Withdrawal from a course any time after the end of Western Michigan University's student-initiated withdrawal period will only be permitted using the hardship withdrawal appeal process.  Appeals are reviewed and approved or denied by the Grade Appeal and Program Dismissal Appeal Committee (GAPDAC) operating under the purview of the Professional Concerns Committee of the Faculty Senate. The committee will determine if a hardship warrants late withdrawal by reviewing an Appeal for a Hardship Withdrawal form, including personal statement, and third-party documentation verifying the hardship circumstances. The decision of the committee is final and not subject to further appeals. Hardship withdrawal appeals submitted more than one year after the last day of the semester in question may not be reviewed by committee without an exception (permission) from the Provost's Office of WMU.  The Office of the Ombuds facilitates this exception process.  It is strongly recommended that students use their wmich.edu student email account while engaging in the hardship withdrawal appeal process.  

Criteria for a hardship withdrawal may include, but not be limited to:

• Physical or mental illness.
• Physical or mental illness of close family member.
• Death of a loved one.
• Victim of violence or a crime.
• Requirements of military service 

Examples of situations not considered a hardship include, but are not limited to:

• Disliking course, teaching method or professor.
• Considering course too difficult.
• Taking on more academic or other obligations than student can handle.
• Course no longer needed.
• Financial constraints.

Contact the Office of the Ombuds at (269) 387-0718 or email ombuds@wmich.edu with any questions.