Stanford
Student Services

Drop a Class

This guide will walk you through the steps to drop or withdraw from a class in Navigate Enrollment. Depending on the timing, your action will either remove the class from your study list or result in a ‘W’ grade.

Important Note:

  • Drop: Removes the class completely from your study list.
  • Withdraw: Leaves the class on your study list with a ‘W’ grade, and it will appear on your transcript.

Learn more about key academic dates.

  1. Review Deadlines
  2. Find the Class on Your Schedule
    • Log in to Navigate Enrollment and select the My Classes tab in the top banner.
    • Make sure you’ve selected the correct term from the dropdown menu in the top right
    • Locate the class you want to drop or withdraw from.
      • Stanford Navigate Enrollment “My Classes” page with the “Enrolled” tab selected for Summer 2025. Two courses are listed. A yellow callout prompts users to locate the class they want to remove.
  3. View Class Details
    • Select the View Details button next to the class you want to drop or withdraw from. This will expand the class details.
      • Course card for CEE 176C – Energy Storage Integration in Stanford Navigate Enrollment. Displays schedule, units, instructor, and a green “Enrolled” label for Summer 2025. “View details” button is highlighted.
  4. Drop the Class
    • Select the Drop or Withdraw button.
      • This button will update based on the academic deadlines to reflect if the class will be dropped or withdrawn.
    • Tip: Review the class details and the potential impact on your academic plan before proceeding.
      • Expanded course view for CEE 176C in Stanford Navigate Enrollment. Displays class details, description, enrollment status, and requirements. A purple “Drop” button is highlighted at the bottom right.
  5. Confirm the Action
    • After answering any relevant questions, select the Yes, Drop button to confirm your decision.
    • Note: Some classes may require a permission number in order to drop them. Please contact your instructor or department to request one if needed.
      • Pop-up window for dropping CEE 176C in Stanford Navigate Enrollment. Asks for confirmation to drop the class and offers a field for entering a permission number. “Cancel” and “Yes, drop” buttons are at the bottom.
  6. Finalize the Process
    • Select the Finish button to complete the process.
    • You will receive a confirmation message indicating whether the action was classified as a Drop or Withdraw based on the timing of your submission.
      • Confirmation message in Stanford Navigate Enrollment indicating that CEE 176C has been successfully dropped. A green checkmark appears above the text “All done!” and a purple “Finish” button.

Tips

  • Consider Your Academic Plan and GPA Impact:
    • Before dropping or withdrawing, review how the class fits into your academic plan to ensure it won’t delay graduation or interfere with required courses. (Build your academic plan with MAP)
    • Dropping a class removes it completely from your study list, and it won’t appear on your transcript or affect your GPA.
    • Withdrawing keeps the class on your list with a ‘W’ grade, which will appear on your transcript but won’t impact your GPA.
  • Understand the Financial Impact:
    • Dropping or withdrawing from a class may affect your financial aid, scholarships, or full-time student status.
    • Always consult with the Financial Aid Office before making a decision. International students should also check with the Bechtel International Center.
  • Plan Ahead and Avoid Last-Minute Decisions:
    • Deadlines for dropping or withdrawing can approach quickly.
    • Be sure to review the Upcoming Academic Dates and make changes early to avoid complications.
  • Ensure You Can Enroll in a New Class:
    • If you're dropping a class to enroll in another, check the availability of your desired course and the waitlist status to secure a spot in time.
    • Remember you can specify a specific class to drop when enrolling in a new one under the Swap with Enrolled Class option.
  • Confirm Your Action Was Processed:
    • After submitting your drop or withdrawal request, verify the action was processed correctly and check your study list to ensure the class's enrollment status has been updated.