The University of Massachusetts Amherst Registrar Office has a specific policy regarding refunds and withdrawals, which is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the procedures and deadlines associated with withdrawing from courses or the university. The policy is outlined in the university's catalog and website, and it is subject to change, so students are advised to review the policy regularly.
Refund Policy
The refund policy at UMass Amherst is based on the date of withdrawal from a course or the university. The policy is as follows:
- 100% refund: If a student withdraws from a course or the university before the first day of classes, they are eligible for a 100% refund of tuition and fees.
- 80% refund: If a student withdraws from a course or the university during the first week of classes, they are eligible for an 80% refund of tuition and fees.
- 60% refund: If a student withdraws from a course or the university during the second week of classes, they are eligible for a 60% refund of tuition and fees.
- 40% refund: If a student withdraws from a course or the university during the third week of classes, they are eligible for a 40% refund of tuition and fees.
- No refund: If a student withdraws from a course or the university after the third week of classes, they are not eligible for a refund of tuition and fees.
It is essential to note that the refund policy applies to tuition and fees only and does not include other expenses such as room and board, parking, and health insurance.
Withdrawal Policy
The withdrawal policy at UMass Amherst outlines the procedures for withdrawing from a course or the university. The policy is as follows:
- Students who wish to withdraw from a course must do so through the SPIRE online registration system or by submitting a withdrawal form to the Registrar鈥檚 Office.
- Students who wish to withdraw from the university must submit a withdrawal form to the Registrar鈥檚 Office.
- Students who withdraw from a course or the university may be eligible for a refund of tuition and fees, as outlined in the refund policy.
- Students who withdraw from a course or the university may be required to return any university property, including library books and equipment.
- Students who withdraw from a course or the university may be subject to a withdrawal fee, which is currently $50.
It is crucial to note that withdrawing from a course or the university may affect a student鈥檚 academic record, financial aid, and health insurance.
| Withdrawal Date | Refund Percentage |
|---|---|
| Before first day of classes | 100% |
| During first week of classes | 80% |
| During second week of classes | 60% |
| During third week of classes | 40% |
| After third week of classes | 0% |
Impact of Withdrawal on Financial Aid
Withdrawing from a course or the university can have significant implications for a student鈥檚 financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires students to be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for federal financial aid. If a student withdraws from a course or the university, they may be required to return a portion of their financial aid.
The amount of financial aid that must be returned is calculated based on the date of withdrawal and the amount of aid received. The calculation is as follows:
- Determine the percentage of the semester that the student completed.
- Determine the amount of financial aid that the student received.
- Calculate the amount of financial aid that must be returned based on the percentage of the semester completed.
It is crucial to note that the return of financial aid may result in a balance due to the university, which must be paid by the student.
Withdrawal and Academic Record
Withdrawing from a course or the university can have implications for a student鈥檚 academic record. The Registrar鈥檚 Office will record the withdrawal on the student鈥檚 transcript, and the student may receive a grade of W for the course.
A grade of W indicates that the student withdrew from the course, and it does not affect the student鈥檚 grade point average (GPA). However, a grade of W may affect the student鈥檚 academic progress and eligibility for financial aid.
What is the deadline for withdrawing from a course or the university?
+The deadline for withdrawing from a course or the university is the end of the third week of classes. After this date, students are not eligible for a refund of tuition and fees, and they may be subject to a withdrawal fee.
How do I withdraw from a course or the university?
+Students who wish to withdraw from a course must do so through the SPIRE online registration system or by submitting a withdrawal form to the Registrar鈥檚 Office. Students who wish to withdraw from the university must submit a withdrawal form to the Registrar鈥檚 Office.
Will I be eligible for a refund of tuition and fees if I withdraw from a course or the university?
+Yes, students who withdraw from a course or the university may be eligible for a refund of tuition and fees, as outlined in the refund policy. The amount of the refund will depend on the date of withdrawal and the amount of tuition and fees paid.
