Students can add and drop classes through NYU Albert anytime after registration opens up through the end of the 2nd week of the semester. After the drop period has ended, you can request to withdraw (with a W) from eligible class(es) using the Class Withdrawal process in Albert.
Requests will be automatically sent to your department/advisor for review.
You may be required to meet with your advisor to discuss your class withdrawal request; your advisor and/or department will reach out to you if this is the case.
Note that in all cases, withdrawal requests will not be processed unless approved by your advisor.
Before changing your class schedule, always remember to talk with your advisor and review the refund schedule.
This process is not for dropping all of your classes.
To withdraw from all of your classes in a term, follow the guidelines for requesting a Term Withdrawal in Albert.
If you are planning on dropping all of your classes in a term and taking a Leave of Absence, make sure to speak with your advisor and also complete a Leave of Absence form.
What you need to know first:
A leave of absence is an approved temporary break from University studies for one or more terms with the intent to return for a future term.
A term withdrawal means you are withdrawing from all of your classes for a term. A term withdrawal requested after the drop/add deadline of the term will result in W grades on your transcript.
A total withdrawal means you intend to stop your studies at the University before completing your program, and do not intend to return for a future term. A total withdrawal requested after the drop/add deadline of the term will result in W grades on your transcript.
When requesting a leave and/or withdrawal you accept financial responsibility for all charges (including collection of fees) associated with your request according to the University refund/liability schedule. View the Refund Policy.
Withdrawing can impact your visa eligibility and/or financial aid. It’s important to understand those impacts before you take a leave of absence or withdraw.
International students, contact the Office of Global Services with questions.
Financial Aid recipients, contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions.
Also note: for the purposes of determining the refund of federal student aid funds, if you withdraw from NYU for any reason during the first 60% of any term, you will be subject to a pro rata schedule which will be used to determine the amount of federal funds you have earned upon the date you submitted your request to withdraw. If you withdraw after the 60% point, you will have earned 100% of the Title IV funds, if otherwise eligible. NYU aid will be adjusted according to University and department policy.
What you need to do:
Always speak with your school advisor or department when you are considering a leave of absence or term/total withdrawal, or if you are uncertain about any of the information on this web-page.
Submit your request for an approved leave of absence, total withdrawal, or term withdrawal in your Albert Student Center by clicking the “Request Leave of Absence” or “Request Term/Total Withdrawal” link (on the Homepage of your Student Center, under your Enrolled Courses). An email confirmation will be sent to your NYU email address after you submit your request.
Do not submit a request for leave of absence or term/total withdrawal if:
You want to drop individual classes, but will remain registered in other classes.
Instead, submit a class withdrawal request.
You intend to complete remaining graduation or research requirements that do not require registration for additional credit-bearing classes.
Instead, contact your department to discuss options for registering for “Maintenance of Matriculation.”