What does a grade of "W" signify in the grading system?

A grade of "W" in the grading system signifies that a student has withdrawn from a course after the add/drop period, but before a certain cut-off date. This designation indicates that the student is no longer participating in the course and does not receive a grade that impacts their GPA. It serves as a record of the student's decision to leave the course without penalty, provided that they follow the established withdrawal procedures.

This system is in place to ensure that students have the option to step back from courses where they may be struggling without facing full academic consequences. It is different from other potential interpretations of "W," such as "Withheld," which usually refers to grades that have not been finalized; "Warning," which might refer to an academic standing alert; or "Weighted," which relates to a grading system that assigns different values to courses based on difficulty. Understanding what a "W" means helps students navigate their academic paths and make informed decisions regarding their course load.