Consider Withdrawal Flag

Summary

This article provides comment examples to use when raising the Course Withdrawal should be considered flag in formal, friendly, and direct tones. The tone examples help you communicate concern while encouraging student action. The full student-facing email template is included for reference.

Body

Overview

Personalizing comments improves student engagement.  While comments are not required when raising this flag, instructors are able to add comments to further explain the reason for the flag.  Use any of the templates below when raising a Course Withdrawal may be needed flag in MU Connect; this flag signals urgent action. You’ll find messages in three tones - pick the one that matches your style. Simply copy and paste into the comment box and customize as needed. You can view the full email template for the message below.

NOTE: This flag can be raised in specific courses during Weeks 12 and 13 using the My Students tab, Zoom In tab, or Progress Survey. If you have questions about how courses are chosen, please email muconnectsupport@missouri.edu.  

Goal: Acknowledge urgency and prompt action.

Formal Tone

Use when you want to keep a professional and supportive tone.

  • Your current course performance suggests that successful completion this semester may be unlikely without significant action.
  • Despite previous attempts at communication, there has been little or no engagement in the course. Please review your options with your advisor.
  • Your performance has remained below the passing threshold, even after extensions and outreach attempts.
  • Your current standing in the course is not meeting the minimum expectations for satisfactory progress.
  • At this stage of the semester, there is limited opportunity to recover the necessary points to earn a passing grade.

Friendly Tone

Use when you want to sound warm, encouraging, and approachable.

  • You've missed several key assignments, and catching up at this point would be tough. Connect with your advisor soon.
  • You've fallen behind in our course and I'd hate to see your GPA take a hit. Your advisor can help you look at options.
  • You've missed several major assignments, and it might be too late to recover this semester. It's worth talking with your advisor about your options.
  • I know this situation can feel discouraging, but there are still steps you can take to stay on track academically.
  • I want to be sure you have the right support to make an informed choice before the withdrawal deadline.

Direct Tone

Use when time is short or you need a straight-to-the-point message.

  • You have stopped participating and have missed multiple major assignments. It's time to consider withdrawing.
  • Your grade is too low to recover at this point in the semester. Please contact your advisor immediately.
  • Without immediate engagement, you will receive an F in this course.
  • You've missed too many assignments to successfully complete the course. Withdrawal is likely your best option.

 

Email Template

Subject Line: [MU Connect] Course withdrawal should be considered

Dear STUDENT FIRST NAME,

I noticed you may be facing some challenges in [COURSE NAME], and you are at risk of failing this course. Failing a course can affect your semester and overall GPA, your academic standing with the University, and your financial aid. I know this can be a tough situation, and the Mizzou community wants to help you make an informed decision.

You still have the option to withdraw from this course, which will result in a grade of “W” on your transcript and not be factored in your semester or overall GPA.  

INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS HERE

Take control over your situation immediately by using the following resources to help you understand possible options and consequences: 

  • Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor via MU Connect. They can assist you in understanding how failing or withdrawing from this course might impact your academic progress.  You can find your advisor’s name and contact information in your Dashboard or My Success Network in MU Connect.
  • Get in touch with Student Financial Aid to discuss how your financial aid may be affected by your course performance.
  • Note the upcoming deadline to withdraw from a course is [DATE].  See information about how to withdraw from a course here.   
  • Review the MU Registrar Academic Calendar for essential academic dates, deadlines, and policies.

I believe in your potential, and your success matters, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

FLAG RAISER NAME

FLAG RAISER E-MAIL

We want to hear from you! Click here to share how this message and support process worked for you‌.

Details

Details

Article ID: 1744
Created
Tue 10/14/25 2:42 PM
Modified
Tue 10/14/25 2:43 PM

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