All section changes, adds, and drops should be approved by the department chair of the student's major field. All such changes are initiated by the completion of the proper forms available in the departmental office. Usually, a course may not be added after the first two days of the semester. Schedule changes made without departmental approval may result in a student being dropped from other courses.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs or his or her designee must approve all course loads in excess of 18 semester hours during fall or spring semesters and in excess of 7 semester hours in each summer session. In general, the student must demonstrate the capability of maintaining a high performance level in all classes.

After consultation with their advisor and/or department chair, students may drop a course and receive a grade of "Q" during the first six weeks (two weeks in the summer session) of the semester. For drops after this penalty-free period, grades are recorded as "Q" or "F" indicating the student was passing or failing at the time of the drop. A grade of "Q" may not be assigned unless an official drop has been processed through the Records Office or telephone Voice Response Registration System. A student may not drop a course within 15 class days of the beginning of final examinations or five class days before the end of the summer term. Students should check the published schedule for specific dates. A written petition to the Vice President for Academic Affairs is required of students wishing to drop a course after the official drop date.

Students wishing to withdraw during a regular semester or summer term should fill out a Withdrawal Petition available in the departmental office. Students must clear all financial obligations and return all uniforms, books, laboratory equipment, and other materials to the point of original issue. However, if the student is unable at the time of withdrawal to clear financial obligations to the Institute and files an affidavit of inability to pay, the student will be permitted to withdraw with the acknowledgement that transcripts will be withheld and re-entry to the Institute of Technology as a student will not be permitted until all financial obligations are cleared. The student must present copies of the withdrawal form signed by the student and by the department chair. The student will receive a receipt.

The Finance Office, on application before the end of the regular semester or summer session, will return such fees as are returnable according to the schedule shown under the "Fees" section of this catalog. If a withdrawal is made before the end of the sixth week (second week of a summer term) or if the student is passing at the time of withdrawal after the sixth week, a grade of "W" is issued for each course affected. A grade of "F" may be issued for all courses not being passed at the time of withdrawal after the penalty-free period.

A student may not withdraw within 15 class days of the beginning of final examinations during a regular semester or five class days before the end of a summer term. A student who leaves without withdrawing officially will receive a grade of "F" in all courses and forfeit all returnable fees. Students should check the published schedule for specific dates for withdrawals. Students wishing to withdraw after the official withdrawal date because of illness may review the issue with the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Director of Student Services, on the advice of competent medical personnel, may require withdrawal or deny admission of a student for health reasons (mental or physical).