Northeastern University School of Law

On February 12, 2004 the NUSL Governing Council adopted a number of recommendations for revisions to the Academic Rules, which had been proposed by the Academic and Student Life Committee.  The one that has the most immediate effect involves changes in the rules for dropping courses.

The following are excerpts from what was presented and passed by the Governing Council:

Dropping Courses

          5(b)(2)(A)     General:  Except as otherwise provided below, an upper-level student may drop any course only prior to the end of the third week of school, except with good cause and with the written approval of the professor and the Assistant Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. 

Dropping Limited Enrollment Courses

          5(b)(2)(B):    Dropping Limited Enrollment Offerings and Clinics: A student who does not attend the first class session will be automatically dropped from the course. A student must inform the instructor by the end of the first class session if she or he is not going to remain.    A student may not drop the course after the first class session without written approval of the Instructor and the Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.  Special students wanting to enroll in Limited Enrollment Offerings may do so only if space exists after law students have enrolled.

5(b)(2)(C):    Preference For Enrollment In The Trial Practice Courses: First Preference is to third (3^rd) year students who have not taken a trial practice course; Second Preference is to second (2^nd) year students who have not taken a trial practice course; Third Preference is to third (3^rd) year students who have taken a trial practice course.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES & PROGRAMS

L.   WITHDRAWAL FROM UPPER-LEVEL COURSES

          Upper-level students are expected to carry between twelve and sixteen credit hours each quarter, but in no event, less than ten hours.  Approval to carry less that twelve or more than sixteen credit hours must be obtained from the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Affairs.

          Students may add courses only during the first five days of the quarter.  Students may withdraw from courses, other than limited enrollment offerings and clinics, prior to the end of the third week.  [See Academic Rules 5(b)(2)(B) and 5(b)(2)(C)].  However, anyone considering dropping a course should discuss it as soon as possible with the Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.  Once the fourth week begins, a course will be designated “incomplete” on a student’s permanent record if it is left unfinished and an official withdrawal form has not been filed.