In the academic world, to drop on request means to choose to eliminate a course from one's course load. A drop on request is sometimes shortened as DOR in some colleges and universities. A form is usually required to request to drop a class and deadline dates are usually in effect.
If a time period to drop on request is missed, the student could be charged a fee for withdrawing from a class. Dropping a class is different from withdrawing from a class in that dropping a course is done within the registration deadline, while a course withdrawal is done after the registration deadline. A drop on request received by the deadline is not usually noted on the official transcript, while a withdrawal often results in a grade of W on the transcript.
Before a student decides to make a request to drop a course, he or she should make sure the drop on request won't affect their academic record. It could be a course that may be needed as a prerequisite in a future semester and the course may not be offered again. Some study plans for financial aid and/or scholarships don't permit students to drop courses on request. Even if a drop on request is allowed, the failure to submit the request form before the deadline can result in an F grade on the transcript. This grade may affect the academic record and funding.
Whenever a student makes a drop on request, he or she should submit the required form as far in advance of the registration deadline as possible. The student should keep a copy of the form in case of any discrepancies with scholarship or funding sources. A college or university drop on request form may require the student to give a reason for wanting to drop the course.