To have the best opportunity to be academically successful, we recommend that you finalize your classes and make any necessary changes in your schedule by no later than the 5th day of the semester. To view the exact add and drop deadlines for each semester, click here.
Deadlines to add and drop are based on the first day of classes -- and may be in the middle of the week.
ADDING A CLASS
At UC Merced there are three different ways to add a class depending on the time of the semester.
| 1. Adding a course via registration portal | 2. Adding a course via late add process | 3. Adding a course via petition to late add |
|---|---|---|
| Common method of adding a class | Common method of adding a class | Uncommon method of adding a class |
|
Timeframe: From assigned time ticket to 5th day of instruction of next semester |
Timeframe: From 6th day of instruction to the 15th day of instruction |
Timeframe: After the 16th day of instruction |
| No prior approval needed | Requires permission from the professor (not guarantee to be approved) | Requires Dean's finall review (not guarantee to be approved) |
| Access through registration portal | Ask for professor's permission and submit Late Course Add form | Speak with your BAC academic advisor for next steps |
| If courses are full, waitlist is available for most courses. | If courses are full, you won't be able to add the course even with permission | If courses are full, you won't be able to add the course even with permission |
| **Make sure you always have a minimum of 12 units in every semester to ensure you are consider as a full-time student** |
|
Fall 2025: Last day to add course via late add process: Wednesday, September 17 |
DROPPING A CLASS
At UC Merced there are two ways to drop a course depending on the time of the semester.
| 1. Dropping a course via registration portal | 2. Dropping a course via course withdrawal form |
|---|---|
|
Timeframe: From assigned registration time ticket to 15th day of instruction |
Timeframe: From third week to eleven week of the semester |
| Course drop can be done through registration portal | Consult with your BAC academic advisor BEFORE submitting the Course Withdrawal form |
| Consult with BAC academic advisor | Consult with Students First Center to understand possible impact on financial aid |
| No permission is required | Requires Professor's permission and Dean's final review (not guarantee to be approved) |
| Once course is removed from your portal, you are official remove from the course |
Once course withdrawal form is submitted, you are encouraged to continue attending the course until a final decision is made Final decision notice will be sent to your UC Merced email |
| **Make sure you always have a minimum of 12 units in every semester to ensure you are consider as a full-time student** |
| Per Academic Senate policy, students who were subject to dismissal in the previous term and allowed to remain at UC Merced cannot submit a Course Withdrawal request |
|
Fall 2025: Last day to drop a class via course withdrawal form: Wednesday, November 5 |
