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• You should first speak with the professor the class. If the issue is not resolved after speaking with the professor, you may speak with the Chair of the Department that the class falls under to seek a resolution.
• If you are in need of accommodations for a class that a professor cannot provide, you should reach out to Disability Services to understand  the process of getting approved for accommodations.
• If you are struggling with the class and require extra help, you can attend your professor’s office hours or schedule a meeting. You may also reach out to the Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) located on the Mezzanine Level in Ely Library Room 230.

If you had extenuating circumstances during the semester to justify a late withdrawal, we recommend that you get in touch with your professor and the Director of the Course Achievement, Retention, and Engagement (CARE) Center to facilitate the withdrawal process. An email approval from the professor or a late withdrawal form signed by your professor, Chair of the Department under which the course falls, and your College Dean are required.

• If you are struggling academically the best approach is to speak with your professor sooner rather than later. Initiating a conversation can occur via email, telephone or in person (before and after class or during their office hours). We recommend that students attempt to meet with the professor in person or virtually via Zoom so as to allow for clear and open communication.
• If you and your professor determine that you are unlikely to earn a passing grade, you may request withdrawal in consultation with your academic advisor.

• First and foremost, be advised that a grade appeal process can only begin after the final grades of the semester have been posted by the Registrar. If you believe that a grade you have received is unfair or does not reflect your performance in a class, your first course of action would be to speak with the professor to understand how the grade was calculated and if you missed any work.
• If you still disagree with the professor, you can discuss this with the Department Chair for the Department under which the course is taught.
• If the issue is not resolved, the student can file a formal grade appeal with their College Dean.
• Be aware that a formal grade appeal must be filed within a limited time period. See the university policy for grade appeals at /documents/1110gradeappeal.

We recommend reaching out to the Chair of the Department the course falls under if you cannot reach your professor or academic advisor. If you belong to other programs on campus such as the LEAD Scholars Program or Banacos, reach out to your adviser in these programs as well.

​​​​​​Your first action is to speak with the professor to inquire about your current standing in the course and ask about any options for making up missed work or opportunities for extra credit. Other options are:

• Request an Incomplete grade to give yourself more time to do a better job on outstanding assignments. Note that the decision to issue a grade of Incomplete is at the discretion of the professor.
• Speak with the Director of CARE Center about the option of a Course Withdrawal.
• If there is a risk of failing multiple classes, you may consider taking a personal leave, which will grant you administrative withdrawal from all your classes. Contact the Director of the CARE Center.

If you miss class, you should directly contact your professors regarding your absence. The Office of the Dean of Students does not issue notices for class absences. It is important to communicate with your professors in all circumstances related to your attendance. However, in cases of serious illnesses, injuries, or hospitalizations where a student is unable to communicate directly, the Office of the Dean of Students will continue to liaise with faculty on the student's behalf.

For assistance with access or disability related questions or concerns, contact Disability Services at ds@westfield.ma.edu or 413-572-5789 or 413-572-8140.