Should You Take the 'W'? These Resources Will Help You Decide

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Should You Take the 'W'? These Resources Will Help You Decide

Lehman College students have until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 17, to withdraw from a course for the Spring ’21 semester and receive a “W” instead of a traditional letter grade. This is usually an option for students who may not be doing well in a course or who may not have been attending their course altogether and want to preserve their GPA. As a reminder, the Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) flexible grading option is not available for the Spring 2021 semester

Although taking the “W” won’t impact a student’s GPA, it could affect their eligibility for financial aid. So, how can you tell if withdrawing from a course is the right option for your academic career? Lehman offers these resources to help guide you through the decision-making process:

  • Withdrawal Decision Tool
    This online tool asks a series of questions about the types of courses you’re taking, how you’re faring in them, and if you have a financial aid package in order to assist you in your decision-making. No personal information will be collected or be available from anyone who uses the tool. 

    The tool produces a recommendation based on the answers supplied and is to be used simply as general guidance—the decision to withdraw is your own, and all individualized questions regarding academic progress should be directed to your advisor. Submitting the questionnaire in the tool does not constitute withdrawing from a course.
  • Zoom Room Advisors Available Starting May 3
    From May 3–17, students can drop into a Lehman Zoom Room for live support from academic advisors—no appointments necessary. Zoom Room advisors are available Monday through Friday, from 1–5 p.m, May 3–13. On Friday, May 14 and Monday, May 17, Zoom Room advisement will be available from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.


In addition to the supports above, the College’s advising units are working with faculty to alert students who have either stopped attending a course or are in jeopardy of failing it. Please check your email regularly to see if you’ve received a notice.

If you have determined that withdrawing is the best option for your academic future, you must do so through CUNYfirst BEFORE 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 17. Instructions on how to withdraw can be found here.

Students who know they need to make up a course can register for  the Summer or Fall 2021 semester.