What to Know When Considering Dropping a Class

It’s that time of the academic year when students may be facing an uncomfortable reality of failing a class. The deadline to drop courses for the current term is April 6.

Most students consider dropping a class when they aren’t doing too hot in that one science lab or history lecture, but there are other reasons why someone would and/or should drop out of a course. It could be that the student doesn’t need that credit anymore to graduate, or they just aren’t enjoying the course. Regardless, there are still a couple of steps that need to be taken and considered before a course is officially dropped.

First, it’s good for Islanders to be aware that Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a 6 Drop Course Policy which, according to the Registrar’s office, states all first-time freshmen students enrolled at any Texas public institution are limited to six course drops during their academic career and, any course a student drops after the posted census date is counted toward the six course limit unless specifically identified as being exempt.

In short, any freshman looking to drop a class can only drop a max of six classes before the college draws the line.

There are a couple of other rules that are good to know before dropping a class. For example, students are allowed to drop two classes during their academic career without penalty and, once you drop a third course, a registration hold will automatically be placed on your records.

According to the Registrar’s office, if you drop a sixth course, your academic advisor, prior to lifting the hold, will in- form you that no further holds will be processed by the Registrar and you will be cut off from dropping anymore courses.

There are some exclusions to the 6 Drop Course Policy, such as courses taken by students while enrolled in high school and courses that are required corequisites. However, there are some exemptions as well. For example, a student can drop more than six courses in the event there are dire family circumstances that need to be accommodated, or the student has a severe illness which makes them unable to take all of their classes.

In order to officially drop a class, the student must fill out a course drop form which can be found on the Registrar’s website. Once the student completes the form, it can be turned into the Registrar’s office either by mail, fax or in person.

While dropping a class may seem the easiest way out, Biology II student instructor Falcon Layton said there are ways for students to pull a passing grade.

“Students should make note cards while going through the chapters,” Layton said. “This way, when it gets close to an exam, students don’t have to spend their time trying to answer the questions when (SI leaders) have double sessions.”

To help get a few extra points, Layton said that students should do some extra research on their own outside the class- room walls.

“Every assignment that is given out (in this class) has the potential for extra credit if the student puts in extra time and research showing their desire to be- come a member of the scientific community,” Layton said.

Basically, take notes and be active in and outside of class, and getting a decent grade in that class you were ready to drop won’t be as far out of reach as it seems.

For more information about dropping a course, students can visit the Business Office or call (361) 825- 2338.