The University of Montana grants retroactive registration changes in the event of severe extenuating circumstances beyond a student's control that rendered the student unable to submit their requested registration change prior to the published deadlines.

All requests must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar with instructor and advisor statements of approval as well as official documentation of the extenuating circumstances involved. Incomplete requests will not be reviewed.

Examples of Qualifying Reasons

• The student was hospitalized due to injury or illness.
• An immediate family member of the student passed away.
• The student experienced housing insecurity or houselessness during the semester.
• The student was working with the Title IX Office or the Student Advocacy Resource Center.

Examples of Insufficient Reasons

• The student failed to verify that their registration was correct
• The student was not aware of published deadlines.
• The student did not realize they weren't added from the waitlist.
• The student did not add the class after receiving an override.
• The student had poor academic performance.
• The student did not receive required approvals before the published deadline.

Alternatives to Retroactive Changes

Although not all circumstances will meet the criteria for retroactive registration changes, there are still other options for students looking to improve their academic record. Consult with an advisor to determine the best path forward.

Course Repeats

Students may retake classes to achieve a higher grade. When a student repeats a course, the most recent attempt takes the place of the previous attempt(s) in the student's GPA calculation. The previous attempt(s) will still appear on the student's transcript; however, they will not affect the student's GPA. Students should consult with an advisor prior to retaking a course as there may be financial aid limitations for course repeats.

Convert an NF to W

Students are assigned NF grades in the event that they receive an F due to nonattendance, meaning they never began participating in the class. If a student receives an NF, they may pay a $20 fee to convert the NF to a W. To pursue this option, the student must email grading@umontana.edu with their name, 790 number, the course information, and the semester the course was taken. Emails must be sent from the student's UMConnect email account.

Academic Forgiveness

Undergraduate students who return to the University after an absence of at least three years may apply to have prior semester(s) excluded from their GPA calculation. Visit the academic forgiveness webpage for the full list of criteria and requirements necessary in order to qualify.

Retroactive Withdrawals Suspended

As of September 2, 2022, the retroactive withdrawal and retroactive course drop policies are in moratorium in perpetuity.

More information is available in the policy update emailed to campus by the Office of the Provost.