Your Fall Semester Halftime Update

We’re approaching the midpoint of the fall semester. Soon, students will finish midterm papers, projects, and exams, then take a well-earned break. Fall break begins Friday, October 13, with classes resuming on Wednesday, October 18.

Professors submit midterm progress reports before fall break. These reports notify students when their professors have concerns about their academic progress. In most cases, these reports do not mean a student is failing a particular course. Areas of concern might include poor attendance, low exam scores or missing assignments.

We notify NWU’s CARE Team and students’ academic advisors of these reports. Students who receive a progress report should meet with their academic advisor to craft plans to address these concerns.

Students can find additional academic support at the Cooper Center for Academic Resources. The Cooper Center assists with writing, speaking and study skills. Students can also access tutoring in a variety of subjects through the Cooper Center.

For some students who are overwhelmed, reducing workload by withdrawing from a course is sometimes a prudent way to enhance overall academic achievement. Withdrawals appear as a “W” on the transcript, but have no impact on GPA.

We encourage students to consult with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid as reducing credit hours may impact their aid. Likewise, student-athletes must remain enrolled in at least 12 credit hours to remain eligible for NCAA competition. Often, students may avoid negative impacts of a withdrawal by adding an eight-week course for the second half of the semester to balance out the lost credits.

The withdrawal deadline for this semester is 5 p.m. on Friday, November 3.

Candice Howell is assistant dean for student success, persistence, diversity and inclusion.