The Student Success Task Force discussed at length the idea of moving up withdrawal dates and ultimately did not recommend any mandated changes. Thus, without the support of system partners, any regulatory change would be difficult. However, the Student Success Act of 2012 addressed some of the concerns raised in the resolution. A Rostrum article is planned to address the first resolved clause.
I don't know that we did much with this but I am not sure it is an issue anymore.
Whereas, Current Title 5 regulation §55024 allows students to withdraw from a course between the census date and 75% of the way through a course with a grade of "W" that does not affect the student's grade point average and further allows districts to set a local withdrawal deadline any time within that timeframe;
Whereas, Later withdrawal dates may encourage students to attempt courses for which they are not well prepared to succeed, and excessive withdrawals may negatively impact students’ academic progress and may displace other qualified students from courses;
Whereas, Financial aid incentivizes students to remain in courses even though they may not be achieving success or making progress; and
Whereas, External stakeholders are increasingly concerned with the demand that late withdrawal policies place on fiscal resources and are therefore recommending changes to enrollment and withdrawal policies;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges request that local senates establish best practices and guidelines for faculty on ways to provide feedback to students on their progress sooner and more frequently throughout courses.
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges encourage colleges to adopt policies that place withdrawal dates no later than half-way through the course or at another early date in the term to encourage students to commit to a course, to ensure that they are prepared through meeting pre- or co-requisites, and to purchase textbooks and course materials; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges urge that regulations continue to allow students the flexibility to withdraw from classes up to 75% of the way through the academic term due to documented extenuating circumstances.
MSC Disposition: Local Senates