Day: April 23, 2025

How to Add or Drop a Course (and What a “W” Means)

Adjusting your schedule at Michigan Tech? Whether you’re thinking of adding a course, dropping one, or curious about what a “W” means on your transcript, this guide will walk you through it all—step by step.


How to ADD a Course at Michigan Tech

Courses may be added on BanWeb during the initial registration period until 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the first week of the semester. Registration closes for a short period after initial registration and then reopens and stays open until the end of the 1st week of classes.

After Friday of the 1st week of a semester, students must see an academic advisor for a late-add form which must be approved by the section instructor.

  1. Check the Add Deadline
    Visit the Academic Calendar to make sure you’re within the official add period.
  2. Log in to Banweb
    Use Banweb and go to:
    • Student > Registration > Add or Drop Classes
  3. Enter the CRN (Course Reference Number)
    Find this number in the course schedule to add your desired class.
  4. Instructor Permission
    Some courses require approval or overrides if they’re full or if you don’t meet prerequisites.
  5. First-Year Students
    First-year students must use the First-year Student Permission to Add/Drop Courses Form:
    • It needs signatures from both the instructor and the academic advisor
    • Submit it to the Registrar’s Office (Room 130, Admin Building) or email a scanned copy to schedule@mtu.edu

How to DROP a Course at Michigan Tech

Week 1-2 of the Semester

You can drop the course yourself through BanWeb:

  • Go to Student > Registration > Add or Drop Classes
  • Click “Drop” next to the course
  • Confirm changes
  • Courses may be dropped on BanWeb until 5:00 p.m. on the Wednesday of second week of a semester.

After Week 2

After Wednesday of the 2nd week, all drops must be done by Registrar’s Office (first floor Administration Building).

You may email your request to schedule@mtu.edu.

Include the following in your email:

  • Your full name
  • Your M# (student ID)
  • The course name and number(s) (e.g., PH 2100 – University Physics I)

Courses may be dropped at the Registrar’s Office until 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the 3rd week with no grade. Courses dropped by this deadline will not appear on the student’s transcripts.

If a drop will put a student below 12 credits, the deadline to get a refund for that drop is at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday of the 2nd week, otherwise plateau tuition is in effect for 12-18 credits. Specific course fees may lead to billing balance changes. No refunds of any kind will be granted after Wednesday of the 2nd week unless the entire semester’s registration is withdrawn.  Contact the Registrar’s Office for the percentage refund schedule in the case of complete withdrawal.

First-Year Students

First year students must obtain their advisor’s and instructor’s signatures on the orange First-year Student Permission to Add/Drop Courses Form for any drops after the 3rd week.


What is a “W” and How Does It Affect My GPA?

Dropping a course after the official drop deadline will result in a “W” (Withdrawal) on your transcript.

Courses dropped after 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the 3rd week through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the 10th week will earn a ‘W’ grade.  
After the 10th week, courses may not be dropped without extenuating circumstances.

Courses dropped during the 4th week through the 10th week will earn a ‘W’ grade (withdrawn). A ‘W’ appears on the student’s transcript which indicates that the student dropped the course. ‘W’ marks do not affect GPA calculations, but the credits dropped are included in attempted credit hours for financial aid purposes (satisfactory academic progress).

Key facts about a “W”:

  • Does NOT affect your GPA
    A “W” is not calculated into your grade point average.
  • Stays on your transcript
    It shows you enrolled in and later withdrew from the course.

Need Help?

For more info or personalized guidance:

How to Run Your uAchieve Degree Audit at Michigan Tech

Whether you’re double-checking your graduation requirements or planning your upcoming schedule, running your uAchieve Degree Audit is a must for every Michigan Tech student. This tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand in your degree progress and what requirements you still need to complete.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to running your audit—and some key tips to make the most of it.


Step-by-Step: How to Run Your Degree Audit

  1. Sign into Banweb
    Head over to Banweb and log in using your Michigan Tech credentials.
  2. Select the “Student Services” Tab
    From the main Banweb menu, click on the Student Services tab.
  3. Click on “Student Records”
    Within Student Services, select Student Records.
  4. Choose “Degree Audit”
    From the Student Records menu, click on Degree Audit to access uAchieve.
  5. Click “Run Audit”
    On the Degree Audit landing page, you’ll see a menu. Click Run Audit.
  6. Click “Run Audit” Again
    Confirm you’re running the audit using the “Latest Requirements” option, and click Run Audit again to generate your most up-to-date results.

Pro Tips for Reading Your Audit

  • Click “Open All Sections”
    This will make it easier to review your entire audit without clicking into each individual requirement.
  • Understand the Colors & Symbols:
    Green with a filled-in checkmark = Completed
    Green with “IP” and a hollow checkmark = In Progress (you’re registered for the final course needed)
    Red = Requirement not yet completed
  • Ignore lower-level headings like “General Education Math” and “Labs”
    These typically auto-complete as you finish upper-level Gen Ed and major requirements. No need to stress over them individually. If you have questions about them, email Kailee Sague, Senior Academic Advisor, at kllaplan@mtu.edu.
  • Be Wary of Graphics
    The graphics and progress bars at the top of the audit page may look helpful but are not always accurate. Don’t rely on them for an official assessment.
  • Don’t Trust the Graduation Prediction
    The uAchieve system often miscalculates your expected graduation semester, so always double-check with your advisor if you’re unsure.

Extra Features Worth Exploring

  • Courses Not Used to Complete Degree Requirements
    Scroll to the bottom of your audit and look for this section. It lists any courses that aren’t currently applied toward your degree.
    ⚠️ If you see a course that should count (like a tech elective or major requirement), don’t panic! Just email Kailee Sague, Senior Academic Advisor, at kllaplan@mtu.edu.

What to Include in Your Email to Kailee

If a course is listed under “Courses not used…” but should count toward your degree:

Send an email to Kailee Sague (kllaplan@mtu.edu) with:

  • Your full name and M#
  • The course number and name (e.g., BE 4200 – Biomedical Instrumentation)
  • The category where you believe the course belongs (e.g., Approved Technical Elective, Major Requirement, etc.)

Running your uAchieve Degree Audit regularly can help you avoid surprises and stay on track for graduation. Make it a habit each semester—especially before advising appointments and course registration periods.

And remember, if you ever feel stuck or uncertain, Kailee is just an email or meeting away!

How to Set Up a Meeting with the BME Academic Advisor

How to Set Up a Meeting with Kailee Sague, Senior Academic Advisor for Biomedical Engineering

Navigating your academic journey in Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Michigan Tech can feel overwhelming at times—but you’re not alone. Whether you’re mapping out your course schedule, looking into internships, or preparing for grad school, Kailee Sague, Senior Academic Advisor, is here to help you every step of the way.

When Should You Meet with Her?

You might want to schedule a meeting if:

  • You need help choosing courses or building your semester schedule
  • You’re exploring minors or planning a double major
  • You’re thinking about undergraduate research, internships, or co-ops
  • You have questions about graduation requirements or long-term goals
  • You need support navigating academic challenges

How to Schedule a Meeting

Setting up a meeting is quick and easy. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the BME Advising Page
    Visit the official Biomedical Engineering advising page at https://www.mtu.edu/biomedical/undergraduate/advising/
  2. Click “Schedule a Meeting with Kailee”
    On the page, you’ll see a button labeled “Schedule a Meeting with Kailee.” Click it to open her Calendly scheduling system.
  3. Follow the Prompts on Calendly
    Choose a date and time that works for you. Then fill in a few details (like your name, M#, email, and what you’d like to discuss).
  4. Check Your Email
    Shortly after booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.
  5. Come Prepared
    Bring your questions and any other materials you’d like to review together!

Quick Tips

  • Book early during busy advising times (like before registration!)
  • Be specific in your appointment notes to make the most of your meeting
  • If your question is simple, you can also reach out via email