Faculty Senate considers changes to drop policy

The Faculty Senate met last Thursday to discuss changes in the university's add/drop policies.

The Senate is considering making it more difficult to drop a class after the first two weeks of the semester. The current policy allows drops after the first two weeks with instructor and department chair approval. The new policy would require the same but would also result in a grade of “W” for withdrawal on a student's record.

According to the Academic Policies Committee report, imposing stricter standards for drops will allow instructors to maintain waiting lists for the first two weeks of students trying to enroll. The new policy would encourage students to drop the course in a timely manner so that other students have the chance to add.

The Senate is also considering tougher policies for dropping a course after six weeks. Not only would a student need instructor and department chair approval, but the college dean's as well.

“Students should know by week six if they can commit to a class,” said Chevelle Newsome, professor of communication studies.

A grade of “W” would still result, and approval to drop will only be given for career related or medical reasons beyond the student's control. A student-initiated job change would not qualify. The reason for dropping would also have to be verified in writing.

Senate members expressed concern over figures provided by the committee that showed a significant increase in drops during the 13th week of classes. Several senators said that that students should not be allowed to drop so late in the semester.

“Drops should not be allowed the last three weeks,” said Newsome. “These students are failing.”

The senators also heard a report from Jolene Koester, vice president of academic affairs. Koester talked about enrollment trends at CSUS and told the senators that “enrollment numbers are very solid.”

The Senate postponed any action on the recommended changes to the add/drop policy until their next meeting on Feb. 18.