UC Merced PACE must receive the course drop request online through the course registration site within the approved drop period. Once logged into the registration site, select Academics > Current Sections > Request Drop and follow the prompts to drop the course.
Drop requests received after the deadline will be processed as a Withdrawal (see the Withdrawal policy for more information). If UC Merced PACE does not receive the drop request by the deadline, the student may request an incomplete (I) or withdraw (W) from the course if there is appropriate justification.
If you are experiencing problems requesting a drop through your student portal/account, email pace@ucmerced.edu for assistance.
Unless specified otherwise in the program, course or section description, all drop requests are subject to a nonrefundable refund processing fee of $25.00 per class and must be made within the drop/refund policy timelines as stated below.
UC Merced PACE cancels courses only when absolutely necessary but reserves the right to cancel, reschedule, or combine courses; to alter and discontinue curricula; and to change instructors. Because PACE receives no state tax support, courses may be canceled as late as the first scheduled class if fewer than the required minimum number of students enroll. If a course is canceled or rescheduled, you will be issued a full refund of course registration fees. We do not reimburse textbook fees, travel or accommodation costs or any expense other than the course registration fee. If you have any questions regarding the drop/refund policy email pace@ucmerced.edu.
Drops/Refunds for Classroom and Hybrid Courses
Unless otherwise specified in the program, course or section description, you may request a drop within the following time frame:
- Courses meet for only one meeting:
You must make your drop request no later than one day prior to the first course meeting date.
- Courses with two or more meetings:
You must make your request no later than one day prior to the second course meeting date. The timeline for the drop may vary from one to 14 days after the course start date depending upon the meeting pattern of the course.
Drops/Refunds for Online Courses
For online courses, the refund deadline is 7 calendar days from and including the official course start date. For example, if the online course begins on Monday, the refund deadline for the course is the following Sunday. Failure to login or access your online course is not justification for seeking a refund.
Some courses and programs may have special refund deadlines. These refund deadlines are listed in the course description and in the enrollment confirmation email.
All refunds are subject to a $25.00 non-refundable and non-transferable administrative fee per course except when a course is canceled or rescheduled by UC Merced PACE. In the event a course is canceled or rescheduled, a full refund of the course fee will be processed. UC Merced PACE refunds back to original payer and in the original form of payment. Please allow a minimum of 3-5 business days for processing.
Drop/Refund and Transfer Appeals
The drop/refund and transfer deadlines and policies are strictly enforced. For continuous enrollment online courses, the maximum enrollment period as stated on the program, course or section description is strictly enforced and extensions to the course end date are not available. Please refer to information on withdrawing from your course without academic penalty.
Exceptions to the drop/refund and transfer policy will be considered only under the most unusual circumstances that can be supported with official documentation. Appeals must be submitted in writing with the subject header “Student Appeals” by email: pace@ucmerced.edu, or by mail: UC Merced PACE, ATTN: Student Appeals, 5200 N. Lake Dr. Merced, CA 95343. Appeals will be reviewed by the Director and PACE Dean, with the Dean making the final decision.
In your appeal include:
- Your name, your student ID, the name and section number of your course, your reason for requesting an appeal, your email address and your daytime phone number.
- Supporting documentation of the circumstances. Documentation must be written in English and on letterhead, confirming the reasons for the appeal, including specific dates and signed by the appropriate person in an official capacity. Medical documentation must be on the medical provider’s letterhead.
UC Merced PACE has the right to approve or deny any appeal. Approved drop/refund appeals are subject to standard service charges, and students may also be responsible for prorated course fees. The review process can take 3 - 4 weeks. Failure to include all necessary information may delay the review process.