End of semester frequently asked questions
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you finish your semester strong.
I'm worried I may not pass a class, what should I do?
If you are concerned about your grade in a course, we recommend connecting with your instructor and/or teaching assistant (TA) to discuss what type of grades would be needed on your remaining coursework in order to pass the course.
Take advantage of the University's Academic Success Centers, including tutoring, writing support, and success skills, in order to finish the semester strong. Our university resources blog post also highlights more resources that can be helpful.
If you determine that passing the course is not possible, it may be appropriate to use your One-Time-Only Late Withdrawal. A One-Time-Only Late Withdrawal may be used only once for one course during a student's undergraduate career. It is an option for a student who is potentially failing a course but does not have extenuating circumstances. The deadline for using your one time only late withdrawal is the last day of instruction or before you have taken the final exam. Read more about using your One-Time-Only Late Withdrawal on our blog post.
If you are considering withdrawing from a course, we recommend contacting One Stop to discuss any financial implications. If you are a student athlete please contact your athletics advisor. If you are an international student please contact ISSS if you are looking to drop below 12 credits.
What if I failed a course/need to retake a course?
If you do not pass a required course you will need to retake it. Major and minor requirements must be completed with at least a C-. Liberal Education requirements may be fulfilled with a D. We strongly advise against retaking a course that you have already passed.
You may repeat each course one time at the University of Minnesota.
- Both grades for the course appear on the official transcript.
- The course credits will be counted only once towards degree and program requirements.
- Only the second enrollment for the course will count in your cumulative grade point average (GPA); however, all attempts will count in the technical grade point average (GPA).
If you do not pass a course you will need to review your next semester class schedule and the four-year plan for your major to ensure that you are eligible of all of the courses you intend to take. Please pay particular attention to prerequisite and corequisite requirements. It is your responsibility to adjust your fall class schedule to ensure that you are taking the appropriate courses. If you have questions about your next semester schedule, please contact your departmental advisor if you are an upper-division student or your college advisor if you are a lower-division (pre-major) student. Read more about what to know about retaking courses on our blog post.
What do I do if I still have a hold on my account?
You can find more information on how to view holds on your record on One Stop's page. Please select the name of the hold to see more information on how to resolve the hold and contact who is listed for more information. You cannot have an advising hold lifted during drop in advising.
Where can I find information on dates and deadlines?
You can find more information on dates and deadlines on the academic calendar. We highly recommend bookmarking this page!
What should I do if a class is closed/full?
Check out our advising blog post on CSE classroom access to confirm the academic department's permission number policies. If you are looking to access a non-CSE course that is closed/full, add yourself to the waitlist, if applicable. If there is no waitlist option, please contact the instructor directly. If no instructor is listed, please contact the academic department. Remember you are not guaranteed registration for a class you are waitlisted so have a back up plan for a second choice class that meets requirements that you need, is currently open, and you are able to add to your schedule now. Consider using a future swap.
How can I find courses that fulfill liberal education requirements?
Check out our advising blog post for step-by-step instructions on how to find courses that fulfill liberal education requirements.
Have a question that wasn't answered?
Stop by drop-in or just in time advising or reach out to your academic advisor through email.