Title: Unexpected Class Withdrawal
Right before Spring Break, I discovered I could no longer access my class modules. The day after, I received an email from the Registration/Retention office informing me that I had been dropped from the class—apparently by the instructor. When I followed up for details, they confirmed it was indeed the instructor’s decision.
To be honest, I’ve missed about half the classes due to various reasons: I’ve been sick, a bit unmotivated, and honestly, feeling uncomfortable as the only woman in the room. The syllabus didn’t specify that attendance was mandatory or graded, so I’ve been completing the assignments at home and submitting them through Canvas.
While I’ve developed a tendency to work online rather than attend in-person, I’ve never been dropped from a class before. I reached out to the instructor to understand what happened and to ask if I could be reinstated, but now I worry I might feel even less welcome in the classroom.
This situation also impacts my financial aid. I was enrolled in 7 credit hours, and losing this class would drop me to 4. This could mean paying back over $1,000 in Pell Grant funds and potentially covering the cost of the class since it’s past the refund deadline.
Being a community college, the syllabus didn’t indicate that non-attendance would lead to withdrawal, and the student handbook states that the college reserves the right to withdraw students “who are not actively attending or pursuing course objectives as established by their instructors.”
Does missing the last two classes qualify as “not actively attending”? I’ve been completing the coursework, and there’s really nothing outside of lectures happening in class, which haven’t been particularly beneficial for me.
Any thoughts or advice? Besides the obvious suggestion to “go to class”?
I’m really sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds incredibly frustrating. Based on what you’ve shared, it seems like you’re doing your best to stay on top of your coursework despite the challenges you’re facing. Here are a few thoughts that might help:
Communication with the Instructor: It’s good that you’ve already reached out to the instructor. Make sure to express your dedication to the course and your willingness to improve your attendance. Open a dialogue about your situation, and see if they can give you some insight into their decision.
Document Everything: Keep track of all correspondence related to this issue, including emails to the instructor and the retention office. You might need this documentation if you decide to appeal the decision or if there are any discussions about your financial aid.
Visit those Office Hours: If you feel comfortable, consider going to your instructor’s office hours. This can help establish a more personal connection and might make you feel more welcome in class.
Reach Out to Academic Advising: Given the potential impact on your financial aid, it might be worthwhile to talk to an academic advisor. They can help you navigate the rules and may advocate on your behalf.
Understand the Policy: If the syllabus isn’t clear about attendance policies, ask the instructor directly or refer to the university’s academic policies. This way, you can better understand whether your absences fall under the category of “not actively attending.”
Explore Your Options: If re-enrollment isn’t possible, consider discussing with an advisor other classes or ways to maintain your full-time student status for financial aid purposes.
Support Systems: Since you mentioned feeling uncomfortable being the only woman in the class, consider seeking out support. Whether it’s friends, family, or campus resources, having people to talk to can make a big difference.
Reflection: After this, you might also want to reflect on your attendance preferences and see if there are any adjustments you want to make moving forward for your own comfort and success.
Remember that community colleges are often quite supportive, and many staff and faculty want to help students navigate these kinds of issues. Don’t hesitate to use the resources at your disposal, and take care of yourself during this stressful time!