Registration Policies & FAQ

On this page you'll find policies and procedures pertaining to enrollment, your class schedule, final exams and more. Your official source is the University Catalog: Policies & Procedures A to Z list, where you can also focus and filter your search.

Not finding an answer? Contact Records & Registration, Office of the Registrar during  business hours, or complete our Enrollment Troubleshooting Request Form and we’ll get back to you.

Enrollment Requirements & Policies

Open and skim through the policy list below to check out topics that are relevant to you.

In your CSUN student career, you may need to understand the policies below. Some of them even affect how you can use the self-service registration system (SOLAR).

A little familiarity with policies may help you avoid pain points when enrolling in classes.

Registration FAQ

Select a topic from the list below for questions and answers.

How do I add or drop a class?

Review the Add Classes Guide and Drop or Swap a Class Guide.

To add or drop after classes begin, see Late Schedule Changes.

IMPORTANT: For advice on dropping classes and potential consequences, see "Withdrawals" on this page.

What is "swap classes" and how does it work?

Swapping classes has an advantage over dropping. 

  • When you swap classes, you “trade” one class for another without giving up your seat in the original class until your enrollment in the new class is confirmed.

  • In contrast, when you drop a class and then add another as two separate transactions, you risk not having a seat in either class.

You can generally swap any two classes (if you meet the prerequisites for the new class) online during the registration periods and dates published in the Registration Calendar. However, be careful with corequisite lecture and lab courses. You'll need to satisfy the paired enrollment requirement as follows:

  • If a lecture class permits any class section of a corequisite lab, you may swap either the lecture or the lab for another section of the same course (e.g., BIOL 100 or BIOL 100L). This will satisfy the enrollment requirement.

  • If you are taking a grouped CHEM 101 lecture and discussion, you cannot swap the lecture or discussion components. However, you can swap the CHEM 101L lab because any class section of the corequisite lab is permitted (the five-digit class section numbers do not matter).

  • You cannot swap corequisite courses if they are linked at the class section level. That is, the two corequisite courses have been paired using their specific five-digit class section numbers. You must enroll in the prescribed class sections.

Always look at the Class Notes section of Class Search to learn if specific sections have been paired. Learn more at "Course Requisites" on this page.

I can’t find an open class that I really need. What should I do?

Sometimes you can’t get the classes you want, so here are some strategies:

  • Check the Schedule of Classes for updates. Departments may add new sections of in-demand classes during registration periods, so revisit Class Search regularly.

  • Wait-list for closed classes. If a seat opens up, you might be added.
    Helpful: Wait-List for Closed Classes Guide

  • Attend a class for the first week or so and ask the professor to give you a permission number to add. Though there is no guarantee you’ll be added, participate as if you were enrolled. If you persist and other students drop, you might be able to add with instructor permission. You may add online with permission for several weeks into the term.

  • Consider taking a CSU Fully Online Course, a program that allows eligible CSU students to take one fully-online class per semester at any other CSU campus at no additional charge.

  • Ask your academic advisor to suggest additional ideas and to advocate on your behalf if necessary.

  • For the future, add your priority classes first as soon as your enrollment appointment arrives. Use the Registration Planner lock courses feature to plan the rest of your schedule around your priority classes.

  • Be flexible if your first choices aren’t available. Save more than one favorite schedule in Registration Planner (login required) so you’ll have a back-up plan.

A class I enrolled in has disappeared from my schedule. What happened?

A class missing from your schedule in the CSUN Portal may have been cancelled. Normally, the department will email you when a class is cancelled.

To confirm that the class has been cancelled, go to Class Search (no login required) and look up the missing course. On the Search Results page, select the Detail icon. The Class Status field should display "Cancelled.”

You can also contact the academic department to confirm the class was cancelled. Be sure to tell them the five-digit class section number.

What are course requisites?

Course requisites are requirements or conditions that must be met before you can enroll in a class. If you haven’t met the requisites, you won’t be able to add the class. Take a moment to understand requisites.

Types of Requisites

  • Prerequisite: A course that is required before you can take another course. For example, you must first successfully complete French 101 (or its equivalent) before you can enroll in French 102. The SOLAR registration system checks student records to ensure prerequisites have been met.

  • Corequisite: Two or more classes must be taken concurrently. For example, the lecture BIOL 106 must be taken concurrently with the related lab BIOL 106L. To enroll successfully, place both corequisites, the lecture and the lab, into your cart before submitting your request.

  • Conditions can be pre- and corequisites. These may include class level (e.g., junior standing), a specific exam score, a specified passing grade, etc. For example, enrolling in CHEM 101/L (lecture and lab) requires a satisfactory score on the Chemistry Placement Test or a grade of C or higher in CHEM 100 taken at CSUN only.

For additional details, visit the University Catalog entry Course Requisites: Definition of Terms.

Where can I find the requisites for a course?

You'll find course requisites in several places:

  • In the University Catalog course descriptions.

  • In Class Search, Registration Planner and the online self-service Add Classes SOLAR module. Any requisites will display in the “Class Notes,” “Course Description” and “Enrollment Information” sections of these tools.

Keep reading to learn more.

How do I enroll in corequisite courses?

Notice How Corequisites are Linked

You must always take corequisite courses concurrently and place both classes into your enrollment shopping cart before submitting your request. Be sure to match the correct pair of corequisites to avoid the "Requisites Not Met" error!

Many corequisite courses allow you to enroll in any combination of lecture + lab class sections. The five-digit class section numbers do not matter.

  • Example: As long as you place any section of BIOL 101 lecture and any section of BIOL 101L lab into your enrollment cart at the same time, your request to add will succeed.

When corequisites are linked section-to-section, you’ll need to pay attention to the five-digit class section numbers. You must pair specific lecture + lab class section numbers to enroll.

  • Example: Five sections of Mechanical Design I lecture and its lab are offered (ME 186 and ME 186L). As indicated in "Class Notes," if you choose the ME 186 lecture class section #15994, you must also enroll in the ME 186L lab section #15995. Place this pair of class sections into your cart before submitting your request.

Tips & Tools to Enroll in Corequisites

Use your registration tools to notice which corequisites to add.

  • Class Search: Look up a course and select the Detail icon link for one of the class sections. Read the “Class Notes” section to check whether to enroll in any corequisite section or a prescribed section. If a specific section number is provided, write down the five-digit class numbers of the two courses you need to take concurrently. Now you're set to add the correct pair to your cart.

  • Registration Planner (login required): Include both corequisite courses in a favorite schedule before exporting it to your enrollment cart. You can also run the Registration Planner validate schedule feature to check for corequisites.

  • In self-service Add Classes, always review the "Enrollment Preferences" screen pictured below. This example confirms that BIOL 101 requires concurrent enrollment in any section of the BIOL 101L. Place the corequisite lecture and lab sections into your cart before you finish enrolling.

Corequisite notes, Biology 100 lecture and lab, on Enrollment Preferences page.

If you're still experiencing difficulty enrolling in a course with requisites, contact your academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar. Or, submit an Enrollment Troubleshooting Request form. 

What is an enrollment appointment?

All matriculated CSUN students (those enrolled in a CSUN degree or certificate program) receive an enrollment appointment each fall and spring semester. Your personal enrollment appointment is the earliest date and time that you can register for fall or spring classes. You may continue to add classes and adjust your schedule thereafter, until access to the online self-service registration system ends. Find exact dates in the Registration Calendar.

Where can I find my enrollment appointment?

View your appointment in your CSUN Portal Checklist. Your enrollment appointment will display a few weeks before it’s time to register. Helpful: My CSUN Portal Checklist Guide

When is my enrollment appointment?

Watch your CSUN email for a "registration notice" from the Office of the Registrar a few weeks before enrollment begins. This is your reminder to prepare for advising and registration. Your enrollment appointment should also display in the CSUN Portal Checklist at the same time.

For summer classes, CSUN students "self-appoint" a time to register on a first-come, first-served basis. Helpful: Enroll in Summer Classes Guide

How is my appointment determined?

CSUN students are assigned an enrollment appointment based on their class level, the number of units completed at the time appointments are produced, and other factors. Seniors must apply to graduate to receive an earlier appointment. Unsure how many units you've completed? Run your DPR audit report to view the number of completed units.

Can I change my appointment?

Enrollment appointments are not negotiable. Plan ahead, enroll in priority classes first, use Registration Planner to fit classes into your schedule, and wait-list for classes as needed. Consider the strategies in the "Class Schedule" row on this page.

Can I register before my enrollment appointment?

No. You must wait until your registration appointment day and time to access the “Add Classes” pages through the CSUN Portal and the Student Center.

My friend and I are both seniors, so why did he get a different registration date than I did?

Seniors who’ve applied for graduation have priority over those who have not. Registration appointments are prioritized; every student is assigned a time based on class level, number of completed units at the time appointments are produced, and other factors.

What if I find an error or other discrepancy in my CSUN record?

If you find a suspected error or discrepancy in your class schedule or other university record, report it to the Office of the Registrar for review and correction. As a student, you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of your academic and student record.

Act immediately to correct an enrollment discrepancy before it becomes a bigger problem. Failure to correct an academic program discrepancy or to officially drop a class may result in a grade of “WU” (Withdrawal Unauthorized), which counts as an "F," in courses never attended.

This is important, so visit Report Enrollment Discrepancies to learn more.

Is there a limit to the number of times I can repeat a course?

Yes, but the answer covers two topics:

  • For-credit limitations on repeating a course, and

  • Repeating a course for grade “forgiveness” or averaging.

For-Credit Limitations on Repeating a Course

If an undergraduate student repeats enrollment in a course beyond its published, maximum “for-credit” limitation published in its University Catalog course description, the units earned will not be counted toward the bachelor’s degree. However, the units attempted and any grade points will be averaged with the student’s other grades.

Examples include adapted exercise Kinesiology courses and performance-based Music courses. Check out these course description examples that include for-credit limits:

Check with an academic advisor before re-enrolling in the course. To exceed the number of times the course description allows you to take course, you must request permission from the associate dean of the college offering the course.

Repeating a Course for Grade Forgiveness or Averaging

Refer to the FAQ for "Repeating Courses" on this page.

When are final exams?

Final exams are held during the week following the last day of formal instruction. Note that the last day of classes differs for weekday and weekend classes.

  • Fall and Spring Semesters: Find exact dates in the Registration Calendar.

  • Summer Term: Final exams are held on the last class meeting. Confirm date and time with your instructor.

  • Winter Term: Final exams are held on the last class meeting. Confirm date and time with your instructor.

Always refer to your personal final exam schedule in the CSUN Portal and verify it with your professors, but a general overview of the final exam schedule is published below in PDF:

Where can I find my final exam schedule?

Your current-semester final exam schedule displays in the CSUN Portal (login required). From the top navigation Academics menu, select My Classes and then Current Class/Exam Schedule. For a tutorial, visit View Final Exam Schedule.

Your final exam schedule or room location can change during the semester. So, it's a good idea to check for updates twice as follows:

  • After the fifth week of classes, revisit your final exam schedule in the portal, noting changes if any.

  • Again a few weeks before your last class meeting, ask your instructor or the academic department to confirm your final exam schedule.

Resolve any schedule conflicts before final exam week begins. See the next FAQ.

What if I can't attend a final exam?

Bring any final exam time conflicts or other issues to the attention of your instructor as soon as you notice them and before final exams week begins.

  • If a time conflict occurs between any two final exams, immediately contact the instructors of both courses so they can help you resolve it.

  • If you cannot attend a scheduled final, contact your instructor to arrange to take the exam at another time, request a grade of Incomplete or find another solution.

Please review the Final Examination Policy.

How many units do I need to enroll in to be considered a full- or half-time student?

The answer depends on your class level and your reason for meeting enrollment requirements.

Full-time enrollment is a minimum of:

  • 15 units for undergraduate students (12 units for financial aid* and certain external legal requirements).

  • 8 units for graduate students pursuing a master’s or doctorate.

Half-time enrollment is a minimum of:

  • 6 units for undergraduate students.*

  • 4 units for graduate students pursuing a master’s or doctorate.

Note:

* For additional enrollment status categories including those for credential and second bachelor's students, visit What Affects My Financial Aid: Enrollment Requirements and the University Catalog: Full-Time Enrollment Policy.

When is a schedule change "late"?

"Late” schedule changes are any adjustments you make beginning with the first weekday of instruction for a term. It's perfectly fine to adjust your schedule after classes begin, but be aware of the potential impact of reducing the number of enrolled units, as explained in the "Withdrawals" FAQ on this page.

When is the last day to add or drop a class?

The answer can vary by term and your class level.

Fall and Spring Terms:

  • The last day to add a class during the fall or spring semester is generally the Friday of Week 12.*

  • The last day to drop a class online depends on your class level:

    • Graduate students have through the third Friday of classes to drop online.

    • Undergraduate students have until the end of the fourth week to drop online.

*Enrollments recorded at the end of the fourth week of fall and spring instruction (i.e., the 20th weekday of classes) are considered official, so finalize your schedule no later than Week 4 if possible. Adding classes after Week 4 will not increase your financial aid award.

Summer Term:

  • The last day to add depends on the session, but it’s generally quite late into the term. Summer courses are accelerated, so commit to adding the class as early as possible.

  • The last day to drop depends on the session, but it’s generally the second Friday of instruction.

Winter Term:

Intersession courses are offered through the Tseng College (self-support extension) during December and January. The Tseng College sets their own deadlines, which may vary from state-support dates. Visit Winter Term for information.

Resources:

When do I need a permission number to add a class?

Restricted classes always require permission to add. A permission number is required to add all classes starting the day immediately after the last day to wait-list in fall, spring and summer terms. You can add with instructor permission quite late into the fall, spring or summer term if needed.

Learn more in the "Permission Numbers" row on this page.

Will I receive a grade of “W” if I drop a class?

 It depends when you drop the class.

  • In the fall or spring semester, you will not receive a “W” if you drop one or more classes in the first 20 weekdays of instruction, generally before the end of Week 4.

  • If you drop after the 20th day of instruction, you will receive a “W” grade.

The grade of “W” means you were permitted to drop a course after the 20th weekday of instruction. You requested and received formal approval to drop. Think of the “W” is an authorized withdrawal. While it’s not used to calculate your GPA, it will appear on your permanent record.

In contrast, if you forget to drop a class or do not attend it, you will receive a grade of “WU” — unauthorized withdrawal — which counts as an “F” in GPA calculation.

See also Withdrawals on this page, and the University Catalog: Administrative Grading Symbols.

How many units can I enroll in each term?

Your maximum-allowed academic unit load depends on your class level, academic standing, the term in which you enroll, and, for undergraduates, whether or not you’ve applied to graduate. Please note:

  • The unit limits below go into effect as soon as registration begins.
  • Unit limits are subject to change without notice.

Fall & Spring Semester Unit Limits

Undergraduate Students

The maximum academic load of enrolled units for undergraduate students in the fall or spring semesters is:

  • 18 units for students in good academic standing

  • 13 units for students on academic notice or readmitted under an Academic Performance Agreement

  • 21 units for graduating seniors

You are a graduating senior if you have applied for a graduation date in the semester in which you are enrolling, and you will complete all remaining degree requirements by the end of the semester.

Graduate and Credential Students

The maximum academic load of enrolled units for graduate and credential students in the fall or spring semesters is:

  • 16 units for graduate students in good academic standing

  • 13 units for graduate students on academic notice

Summer & Winter Term Unit Limits

All students,* regardless of class level, can enroll in the following maximum unit loads during the accelerated summer and winter terms:

  • Summer term: 13 units for all three sessions combined

  • Winter session: 4 units maximum

* Note: Previously disqualified students may only enroll in CSUN courses through the Tseng College Open University or ASAP programs. These programs are not available to international students in disqualified status.

How many units can I wait-list for?

You can wait-list for 13 units maximum as soon as fall, spring or summer registration begins. Note: Wait-listed units are not enrolled units.

Are there any exceptions to the unit limits?

If you need to exceed the maximum enrolled-unit limit, consult with your academic advisor and use the degree planning tools to choose units carefully. If you decide to proceed, complete the Extra Unit Authorization for your class level:

Extra Unit Authorization Timeline

  • Submit the Extra Unit Authorization request no later than the end of the Late Registration period for fall and spring semesters or each session of a summer term.

  • Extra Unit Authorization forms will be processed by the Office of the Registrar when Nonrestrictive Registration begins.

Find exact dates in the Registration Calendar.

What is a permission number?

Permission numbers allow students to register in classes that they could not otherwise enroll in. Each permission number is associated with a specific section of a course, for example, section 07 of a Biology 100 course.

When do I need a permission number to add a class?

You will need a permission number to:

  • Enroll in restricted* classes at all times, even before classes begin. Restricted classes can be limited to certain student groups such as freshmen or seniors, specific majors like Nursing, and/or teaching credential candidates. If a class is restricted, the "Notes" section of Class Search will display "Department/Instructor Consent Required."

  • Wait-list for restricted classes during the wait-listing period.

  • Enroll in all classes as soon as the wait-listing period ends for fall, spring and summer terms.

  • Enroll as a participant in state-funded, year-round cohort courses during summer terms.

Find exact dates in the Registration Calendar.

*Restricted classes are usually limited to certain student groups such as majors, freshmen or seniors, teaching credential candidates, and the like.

How do I use a permission number?

Enter the permission number on the “Enrollment Preferences” page in the SOLAR Student Center “Enroll in Classes” module. Refer to the Add Classes Guide and the image below.

Things to note about the Biology 100 (BIOL 100), section 07, lecture class pictured here:

  1. BIOL 100 is not restricted, so the "Department/Instructor Consent Required" does not display in the Enrollment Information bullet list.

    Visiting students enrolling through the Tseng College Open University Program may register only with a permission number from the instructor and must wait until the Nonrestrictive (open) Registration period begins, when no appointment is required.

  2. As indicated under Enrollment Information and Class Notes, the BIOL 100 lecture requires concurrent enrollment in any BIOL 100L Lab. You will need to request a separate permission number for each class before adding the pair to your cart.

  3. Enter the number into the “Permission Nbr” box. Proofread your entry!

  4. Select the "Next" button to proceed.

BIOL 100 section 7 Enrollment Preferences page, notes and permission number box.

Where can I get a permission number?

Request permission to enroll in a class from the academic department or your professor as follows:

  • Before classes begin, you can usually obtain a permission number from the academic department.

  • As soon as instruction begins, you should attend the class and request a permission number from the professor.

Can a permission number expire?

Yes, but not quickly. A permission number can be used for a specific class section until:

  • Your enrollment in the class is successful, or

  • The permission number expires on an earlier date specified by the department or instructor, or

  • Access to adding via self-service registration ends.

Look for the "Last Day to Add Online" deadline in the Student Academic Calendar.

I got a permission number to add a class, but it isn’t working. What do I do?

First, make sure you’ve correctly entered the permission number on the Enrollment Preferences page in the registration system. If it’s correct, then the number may not be working because:

  • You have a registration hold. Resolve the hold and try the permission number again.

  • You have a time conflict. The registration system does not permit enrollment in two or more classes whose times overlap even by a minute.

  • You are attempting to enroll in more than the maximum unit load.

  • You’re already enrolled in the class, or you’ve already taken it in a prior term.

  • You're already on the waitlist for the course, or the course is in your enrollment cart.

  • You’re attempting to use the permission number with the wrong class section. A permission number works only with its associated section.

  • The permission number may have expired. Contact the instructor or the academic department for assistance.

  • The class requires concurrent enrollment in a corequisite class. Obtain a separate permission number for each class before enrolling. Place both classes into your shopping cart before submitting your request.

If you've tried the solutions above and none work, contact Records and Registration. We’re here to help!

How do I know if I have holds that will block my registration?

Log in to your CSUN Portal. In the Checklist, find the Incomplete Tasks section and look for registration holds.

Resources

What is the Measles/Rubella hold? Why is it preventing me from registering?

Students born on or after January 1, 1957 are required to provide proof of immunization for, or immunity against, measles and rubella during their first semester at CSUN. Students age 18 or younger must provide proof of immunization for, or immunity to, Hepatitis B during their second semester. Generally, this information can be found on your high school transcript.

Note: You must clear immunization holds before you can register in future semesters.

For more information and updates, visit Immunization Requirements, or contact the Klotz Student Health Center at (818) 677-3666 or shcinfo@csun.edu.

I already met with my advisor but have a hold saying I need to meet with my advisor, and now I can't enroll. What do I do?

Contact your academic advising center to verify that the hold will be removed. You may need some follow-up advisement. Only your advisor can remove an advising hold, not Records & Registration.

I have a previously disqualified hold, and now I can't enroll. Why won't it go away?

Good news — it’s not the kind of hold that will prevent you from enrolling. However, it is a reminder of disqualification.

Each time you are disqualified, the rules change for readmission to the University. After the third disqualification, the student must wait 5 years before reapplying to CSUN and taking classes here, including those offered through The Tseng College (Extended Learning).

Ask your advisor for guidance. Learn more at Disqualification.

I have a hold for missing transcripts, but I sent them to CSUN last semester. Why won't the registration system let me enroll?

Chances are you were enrolled in some classes at the other school when you submitted the transcripts. If so, then you did not have grades awarded for those in-progress classes, and the transcript you submitted was preliminary.

We need your final grades; otherwise, you’ll get a missing transcript hold placed on your account, which will prevent you from enrolling. If you feel you’ve received the hold in error, contact one of the following offices:

If you are sending us a final transcript from a California community college, save time with eTranscript California.

When can I repeat a course?

You may repeat a course previously taken at CSUN starting with your enrollment appointment date and time and throughout the online, self-service registration period. Please check with your academic advisor to make sure repeating a course is your best option.

During the fall and spring semesters, a permission number is required to enroll in all classes beginning with the second week of instruction, as soon as the wait-listing period has ended.

How many times can I repeat a course?

Before repeating a course, review the following policies based on your class level:

Undergraduate students can repeat up to 16 units of CSUN coursework in which they earned less less than a "C" grade for the purposes of grade forgiveness. They can repeat an additional 12 semester units of coursework for grade averaging. Please note these rules:

What is Title IX and why is the training required?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, together with other federal and state laws, protects all people from sexual harassment, violence and discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. It’s also your right to review safety plans and crime statistics for a college campus. Learn more at Your Right to Know: Student Consumer Information.

All CSUN students — and college students throughout the United States — are required to take an online, interactive sexual misconduct, violence awareness and prevention video course to promote a culture of respect.

How do I take Title IX training?

During your CSUN studies, you'll need to complete the "Title IX" course as follows:

  • New students take the initial, longer “Not Anymore” course once only, before enrolling in first-semester classes.

  • Continuing students take the short “Every Choice” refresher course once a year, before enrolling in fall classes.

Log in to the CSUN Portal and look for the "T9" registration hold (if any) in the Checklist under Incomplete Tasks. Visit the tutorial or login directly:

What if I don't take Title IX training?

All students will have a "Title IX (T9)" registration hold. You must complete the online video course before you can enroll in classes.

Are there alternatives to taking Title IX training?

We understand that the content of the training may cause particular distress for some individuals. If due to such personal circumstances you would like to discuss alternative options for meeting the training requirement, please contact CSUN’s Campus Care Advocate, a confidential resource, at (818) 677-7492.

Title IX Resources

How do I wait-list for closed classes?

Wait-listing is like adding a class. Log in to the CSUN Portal, select Enroll in Classes, and look up the closed class section(s) you want to wait-list for. On the class Enrollment Preferences page pictured below:

  1. Note the orange triangle indicating that the class is full but wait-listing is available.

  2. Check the "Wait list if class is full" box.

“Waitlist if class is full” checkbox and icon on Enrollment Preferences page.

Resources

  • For a wait-listing overview, tips and illustrated steps, visit the Wait-List for Closed Classes Guide.

  • Check out the Wait List FAQs (PDF). For example, you can wait-list if you've met prerequisites, but you cannot wait-list for corequisite courses unless you're repeating one of the two corequisites.

Wait-listing for closed classes is available in fall, spring and summer terms. You can wait-list as soon as your enrollment appointment arrives until the end of the wait-listing period. Find exact dates in the Registration Calendar and the Student Academic Calendar.

What does it mean to withdraw?

To withdraw means to drop one or more enrolled classes.

  • Withdrawals can be partial (dropping some, but not all, classes) or complete (dropping all classes and withdrawing from the university).

  • Medical withdrawals can be partial or complete. Once classes begin, follow instructions on the Late Schedule Change Forms. Request a medical withdrawal from Undergraduate Studies or Graduate Evaluations.

  • Students may be subject to an administrative withdrawal in the first three weeks of instruction for failing to meet course prerequisites. Find a list of common prerequisites at Administrative Action on Prerequisites.

Learn more at University Catalog, Keyword: Withdrawal

What is the downside of withdrawing from a class?

Reducing the number of enrolled units may affect your eligibility for financial aid, campus housing, veterans’ education benefits, international student visa status and more!

Before dropping, review:

See also “What happens if I don’t withdraw from a class I don’t attend?” below.

Is there a deadline to withdraw from classes?

Yes. You can withdraw (drop) yourself from a class using self-service registration until your online access to drop ends.

  • The last day to drop classes online in fall and spring terms currently differs for graduate and undergraduate students. (This is subject to change. For an update, please check the links in the bullet point immediately below.)

  • Deadlines for each term are published at Registration Calendar and Late Schedule Change Deadlines.

After the deadline, formal approval is required to withdraw. Requests to withdraw are considered from students for reasons clearly beyond their control, who can justify serious and compelling circumstances.

Also refer to the University Catalog, Keyword: Withdrawal.

Will I get a grade when I withdraw from a class?

The answer depends on the timing and type of withdrawal.

  • If you drop a class before self-service registration to drop ends, the course will not appear on your semester record and you will not receive a grade.

  • If you drop a class after the 20th weekday of fall or spring classes, you will receive a grade of W, which will appear on your permanent record but carries no grade point value and won’t harm your GPA. Learn more at University Catalog: Administrative Grading Symbols.

What happens if I don’t withdraw from a class I don’t attend?

If you do not officially drop an enrolled class that you do not attend, you will receive a grade of WU, unauthorized withdrawal, which counts as an F.  Learn more at University Catalog: Administrative Grading Symbols.

As a student, you are responsible for all adjustments to your schedule. You, not the instructor, are responsible for dropping a class. Please be aware that:

  • Nonattendance does not constitute a withdrawal, nor does stopping payment on a check for tuition and other fees constitute a request for a refund.

  • Failure to follow formal university procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees as well as the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term.

Contact your academic advisor for assistance. Learn more at:

Is there a limit to the number of units I can drop?

Yes. Undergraduate students are limited to a total of 18 withdrawn units during their CSUN studies. But note these exceptions:

  • Any classes you drop before instruction begins for a semester or term do not count toward the 18-unit limit.

  • The 18-unit limit does not apply to the first 20 days of instruction in a fall or spring semester, when withdrawals from courses are permitted without restriction or penalty.

    • Whether partial or complete, medical withdrawals do not count toward the maximum 18 units.

To check the number of units you've withdrawn from, visit View Withdrawals/Repeats for Undergraduate Students.

Undergraduate and graduate students will find details in the University Catalog, Keyword: Withdrawal.

If I withdraw, will I get a refund?

You might be eligible for a refund depending on the total number of units you are enrolled in and the date that you withdraw (drop).

Visit Student Finance/Cash Services Refunds to learn more about the types of refunds — full, partial and prorated refunds — and deadlines for each.