COMMUNITY UPDATE: New temporary withdrawal policy

Dear UHCL Students:

Although we launched this semester with four modes of instruction designed for flexibility and a strong commitment from faculty and staff to support you, the pandemic has continued to create challenges. On Nov. 20, your Student Government Association submitted a petition asking to reinstate the S/U temporary grading policy.

While it was too late in the semester to implement that policy, UHCL is establishing a temporary Pandemic-Related Administrative Withdraw/Drop (PRAW/D) policy that will be in place through the summer 2021 semester. PRAW/D will allow you the option to drop a course or courses and obtain a withdrawal (WX) in place of a grade.

Important Policy Highlights

• The PRAW/D policy applies to UHCL students taking courses offered during fall 2020, spring 2021 and summer 2021 semesters.
• The grade notation of “WX” is considered an administrative withdrawal and does not count toward your six drops.
• If you wish to take a WX for a course or courses, you will need to submit a PRAW/D course petition form to the Office of the Registrar. PRAW/D petitions for fall 2020 will be accepted beginning Dec. 15, 2020. The deadline to submit requests for fall 2020 courses is Jan. 15, 2021.
• You can review your grades before choosing your grading option.
• Before making a decision regarding withdrawing from a course or courses, please consult with your faculty and/or academic advisor, the Office of Financial Aid, and, if applicable, the Office of Veterans Services.

Details about this policy can be found on the PRAW/D grading option webpage. There will be webinars offered the weeks of Dec. 7 and 14 to address questions. You can also email provostoffice@uhcl.edu for more information.

In addition to the PRAW/D, UHCL is working to provide more embedded tutors in courses, expanded tutoring hours, and access to resources to assist you in digital learning. Importantly, the Division of Student Affairs is also planning to expand virtual and in-person mental health counseling and other student affairs services to support you.

All of us at UHCL are committed to ensuring your academic success as we continue to deal with the pandemic challenges.

Sincerely,

Steven J. Berberich, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

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