Thinking about dropping a course? Consider these four things

Managing courses is a lot of work. You may be tempted to drop a course (or courses) to reduce stress, have more free time or use a tuition refund to cover other expenses.

While it might seem like a good idea at the time, dropping a course can have a significant impact on your OSAP funding – right now and in the future – as well as your academic progression.

You may have good reason to drop a course and that’s okay. But please be aware of the potential scenarios outlined below.

1. Dropping a course may reduce your OSAP funding

Dropping a course during the term may change your funding assessment. Your OSAP assessment considers the number of courses/course load you are enrolled in and the associated costs. If you drop a course, your course costs change, which can result in decreased eligibility for funding.

OSAP’s definition of full-time and part-time status is different than Laurier’s definition of full-time and part-time student status. To be eligible for full-time OSAP funding, you need to have a minimum 60% course load or 1.50 credits per term (40% course load or 1.00 credits for students with permanent disability status registered with OSAP).

2. Dropping below OSAP’s minimum full-time course load impacts your funding immediately

It’s true: if you drop below OSAP’s minimum full-time course load, your OSAP funding is impacted immediately.

OSAP considers students with less than a 60% course load (or less than 1.5 credits per term) as part-time students. (Remember, OSAP and Laurier have different definitions of full- and part-time students). According to OSAP, you are no longer eligible for full-time funding effective the date you drop to a part-time course load (below 60%).

Contact Laurier’s Financial Aid Office immediately if you plan to withdraw or drop below OSAP’s minimum required course load for full-time studies. A financial aid officer can advise on how your planned course change may affect your eligibility for OSAP funding before you drop a course.

3. You may not be eligible for a refund

Are you thinking about dropping a course to receive a refund? You may not be eligible to have the credit refunded to you. When you change your registration, including dropping or adding a course, your OSAP will be reassessed to include the updated tuition costs. If an OSAP over-award is calculated, your tuition credit, or refund, will be forwarded to the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) to be paid against your outstanding loan or grant over-award.

It’s also important to note that not all drops will lead to a credit on your student account. If you’re returning to full-time studies in another term within the same academic year, this credit may instead be held on your Laurier student account to assist with payment of the additional term’s fees.

If there is no over-award assessed, you may then apply for a tuition refund on your Laurier student account. For more information about financial penalties when dropping a course, visit students.wlu.ca/fees or contact Service Laurier.

4. Dropping courses affects your academic progress

Dropping a course or courses can impact your future OSAP funding. To maintain eligibility for OSAP you must meet OSAP’s minimum academic requirements for each term when you receive full-time funding.

Dropping a course (or multiple courses) can also impact your academic progression. If you’re dropping a required course in your program, you may have difficulty registering in future courses that deem your current course a prerequisite.

Dropping courses can also delay the completion of your degree, which means you may have to graduate at a different time than your friends and classmates.

Have questions? We Can Help

The decision to drop a course is a personal one but one that may be fuelled by other factors. There are a variety of supports and resources to help you make the decision that’s best for you.

Managing Your Stress and Studies

If you’re thinking about dropping a course because you feel stressed or overwhelmed, contact your academic advisor or your campus student wellness centre. An academic advisor can help you develop a learning plan that works for you, while student wellness centre staff and programs can help you manage your stress so you can thrive and succeed.

Managing Your Finances

If you are having difficulty managing your budget, contact Laurier’s financial literacy specialist at moneymanagement@wlu.ca for help. Together, you can create a plan to cover your tuition and living expenses.