Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ's) that students often have about the six drop limit. Click the question below to find out more information.
- What does first time in college (FTIC) mean?
- What is the purpose of this legislation?
- What is / is not considered a drop?
- Which drops will count towards the 6 drop limit?
- Which drops are exempt?
- What is considered "good cause" for drop status?
- What happens if I completely withdraw from the institution?
- What happens when I enroll at more than one Texas public college or university?
- How will LSCS know the number of affected drops I have at other colleges and universities?
- How will I know how many drops that I have that apply to the 6 drop limit?
- What are the penalties of the 6 drop limit?
- How can students prevent themselves from dropping so many classes?
What does first time in college (FTIC) mean?
In accordance with TEC 51.907 (SB 1231), first time in college refers to any student that has not completed any college courses prior to Fall 2007.
What is the purpose of this legislation? Does the state lose money when students drop classes?
The state of Texas awards higher education institutions funding based on the total number of credit hours that students are taking at the institution. When a student drops a course from which the institution has already received funding, the state loses the investment it has made to the institution for that student in that course. In other words, the state will award funding again for the second attempt by the student for the same course. So in a sense, the state has lost money by having to award funding to the institution for the repeated attempt by the student.
The state has partially addressed this loss in funding by restricting the funding awards to the institution for a course that a student has attempted three or more times. Although the state will not award funding, the state has allowed institutions to charge additional fees for students who attempt the same course three or more times.
By restricting the total number of drops a students can have in their academic careers, the state hopes that the number of drops and repeated courses will decrease.
What is / is not considered a drop?
- Classes dropped after official day through the withdrawal date are considered drops.
- Grades of IP will not be considered drops since they are an earned grade.
- Classs dropped prior to official day are not considered drops and do not appear on a transcript.
Which drops will count towards the 6 drop limit?
- Course content / grade dissatisfaction
- Problem with instruction
- Instructor drop / excessive absences
- Loss of transportation
- Non-payment
- Change in work schedule
- Active military duty
- Severe illness / debilitating condition
- Care of sick, injured or needy
- Death of family member (or close relative)
- Complete withdrawal (excludes complete withdrawal for non-payment)
- Class cancelation
- Other "good cause"
What is considered "good cause" for drop status?
Exceptions for "good cause" may be determined by the Student Services department per guidelines in the legislation. Administrative drops may be coded as "good cause" or a drop depending on extenuating circumstances and decisions. Deans and/or Vice Presidents at each college will determine and handle any waivers/exceptions for "good cause".
What happens if I completely withdraw from the institution?
Complete withdrawals are not subject to the six drop legislation and do not count toward the limit. For the purposes of the six drop rule, a complete withdrawal means that you drop all your classes for the term on the same date.
What happens when I enroll at more than one Texas public college or university?
If you are an affected student and have affected drops, all will count in the six-drop limit. If you have two affected drops at Texas Public College X and two drops at Texas Public University Y, when you transfer to Lone Star College, then you will only be able to drop two courses. (Total of six at all affected institutions).
How will LSCS know the number of affected drops I have at other colleges/universities?
Transfer students who are affected by this legislation shall be required to submit all transfer institution transcripts for processing during the admissions process. The number of drops counting toward the six drop limit will be indicated on the official transcript. The total drops from all transfer institutions and LSCS cannot exceed six total drops.
How will I know how many drops that I have that apply to the six drop limit?
The number will be calculated by the Student Services department and will be listed on your Lone Star College transcript. This total will include the number of affected drops transferred from other affected colleges & universities; and the number of courses you have already dropped that term.
What are the penalties of the 6 drop limit?
A student that has accumulated six (6) drops may not be permitted to accumulate another drop. The student will receive the grade earned in the course.
How can students prevent themselves from dropping so many classes?
When determining the proper course load for a term, students should consider outside factors which may affect their performance such as their work schedule, extra-curricular activities, and/or transportation. By developing a plan in advance, students can avoid the crunch of taking too many credit hours in one semester while allowing them the flexibility of creating a schedule that best fits their individual learning style. Students are also encouraged to speak with an academic advisor, counselor or faculty member about their major and course options.