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 5 business days after that date at the close of business.

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 Course:

  • Students may add courses (face-to-face, hybrid, or online) during the ADD/DROP PERIOD provided there are available seats in the course. Students cannot add the course if it is at maximum capacity. Students, or advisors working on their behalf, may not add a course that is already at maximum capacity without written permission from the instructor of the course. Instructors have the sole right to determine if they will accept students into a course that is already full.

Dropping a Course:

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 ROP portion of the Registration Form and submit it to Enrollment Services. 

  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.

    Refer to the Refund Policy.

After the ADD/DROP PERIOD, students cannot DROP a course. Students must WITHDRAW from a Course.

  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;
    1. Student receives a "W" (does not impact GPA; may impact Financial Aid standing); and 
    2. Course is recorded on the transcript. 
  2. If a student is withdrawn for non-attendance by the instructor within the first week after the ADD/DROP period of a course for a specific semester or session on the Academic Calendar
    1. Student receives an "NS" (does not impact GPA; may impact Financial Aid dispersal); and
    2. Course is not recorded on the transcript.

Refer to 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." If there are extenuating circumstances, students must provide official documentation and meet with the Dean of the Academic Center for 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.

Refer to Withdrawing from the College.

Updated 2023-2024 Academic Catalog (Effective Fall 2023)