To email a professor about withdrawing from a class, keep it brief and courteous: say that you have decided to withdraw (or are considering it), give a short reason if you want to, and thank them. The email itself does not withdraw you. You must complete the withdrawal through your school’s registration system or registrar before the withdrawal deadline, and it is wise to talk to your academic advisor and financial aid office first.
Below are templates for asking advice before you withdraw, letting the professor know after you have withdrawn, and withdrawing for medical or personal reasons, plus a checklist of what to confirm.
Before You Withdraw: Checklist
- Deadline. Check the academic calendar for the last day to drop (usually no record) and the last day to withdraw (usually a “W” on the transcript).
- Financial aid. Dropping below full-time or half-time enrollment can affect scholarships, grants and loans. Ask the financial aid office.
- Progress and prerequisites. Ask your advisor whether the course is required and when it is offered again.
- Visa, athletics, insurance or housing. International students, athletes and students on some insurance or housing plans may need to keep a minimum number of credits.
- Refunds. Tuition refunds after a certain date are often partial or none; check your school’s refund schedule.
Template: Asking the Professor for Advice First
Subject: Question About My Standing in [Course Name]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I am struggling in [course name] and am considering withdrawing before the deadline on [date]. Before I decide, could I meet with you briefly to discuss where I stand and whether it is realistic to pass the course?
Thank you for your time,
[Full Name], [Section]
Template: Letting the Professor Know You Withdrew
Subject: Withdrawal from [Course Name]
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I wanted to let you know that I have withdrawn from [course name] this semester. [Optional: My work schedule changed and I am not able to give the course the time it needs.] Thank you for your teaching and support. I hope to take the course again in a future term.
Sincerely,
[Full Name]
Template: Withdrawing for Medical or Personal Reasons
Subject: Withdrawal Due to Personal Circumstances – [Course Name]
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
Because of a medical issue, I need to withdraw from [course name] this term. I am working with the Dean of Students office on the process. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience.
Best regards,
[Full Name]
If the withdrawal deadline has already passed because of an emergency, ask the Dean of Students office or registrar about a late or medical withdrawal. Many colleges have a petition process, and the rules differ from school to school.
Do You Need the Professor’s Permission?
At many colleges, students withdraw themselves online before the deadline without a signature. At others, or after a certain date, the professor or an advisor must sign or approve the request. Check your registrar’s withdrawal page. If a signature is required, ask for it in your email and attach the form.
Writing to a professor for another reason? Use our templates for an absence email, a sick email, a death in the family, or emails about incomplete grade, missing class for a job interview and family emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell my professor I am dropping their class?
It is not usually required, but it is courteous and helps if you may take the course again with them. A two-line email is enough.
Does a W hurt my GPA?
A “W” generally does not count in your GPA, but it does appear on your transcript. Several W’s can raise questions, and they may affect financial aid progress requirements.
Can a professor withdraw me from a class?
Some colleges allow instructors to drop students who never attend or who miss the first sessions. Do not rely on it; withdraw yourself to be sure.