Adding, Dropping or Withdrawing from a Course

For full semester courses, the NECC ADD/DROP PERIOD begins on the first day of the semester and ends at the close of business 7 days after the semester begins. 

The NECC ADD/DROP PERIOD for courses that are not running over the full semester (an abbreviated/accelerated session) can vary but generally follow the policies listed below. 

Reference the Academic Calendar for specific dates and deadlines for adding, dropping or withdrawing from a course. 

Adding a Face-to-face or Hybrid Course:

  • Students may add face-to-face or hybrid courses during the ADD/DROP PERIOD but the course must be added prior to the first class meeting. After the first class meeting has taken place, students may ONLY add into the course with permission from the instructor. Students cannot add the course if it is at maximum capacity.

Adding an Online Course:

  • Students may add online courses through the date specified on the Academic Calendar (typically 3 days) after the term begins. Students cannot add the course if it is at maximum capacity.

Dropping a Course:

For full semester courses, NECC’S ADD/DROP PERIOD begins on the first day of the semester and ends at the close of business 7 days after the semester begins. 

  1. If a student drops a course during the add/drop period:
    1. No grade is assigned;
    2. Course is not recorded on the transcript; and
    3. Student receives a refund for payments made.

    For specific information about refunds, refer to the Refund Policy.

Before dropping a course, students should consult with their Academic Advisor, Financial Aid office (if appropriate) and inform the instructor of the course. Students must complete the Drop portion of the Registration Form and submit it to Enrollment Services. 

After the ADD/DROP PERIOD - Withdrawing from a Course:

  1. If a student wishes to withdraw from a course after the ADD/DROP PERIOD has ended:
    1. The student can withdraw from the course but only up until the date specified as the last day to withdraw for a specific semester or session noted on the Academic Calendar;
    2. Course grade is a W (does not impact GPA; may impact Financial Aid standing); and
    3. Course is recorded on the transcript.
  2. If a student is withdrawn for non-participation by the instructor before the last day to withdraw for a specific semester or session on the Academic Calendar;
    1. Course grade is a NW (does not impact GPA; may impact Financial Aid standing); and
    2. Course is recorded on the transcript.

For specific information about grading, see Grading Systems and Policies.

After the deadline to withdraw as specified in the Academic Calendar, students may not withdraw from a course to receive a W grade unless there are extenuating circumstances for which the student must provide official documentation and meet with the Dean of the Academic Center of their program of study. View Academic Centers or contact an Academic Advisor.

Students enrolled (matriculated) in an academic program planning to withdraw from ALL courses and discontinue their studies should officially withdraw from the college. Withdrawing from the College.

Updated 2021-2022 Academic Catalog (Effective Fall 2021)