Here are some things you need to know about adding classes, dropping classes and dropping with a grade of "W." 

New Registration System and User Guide

De Anza and Foothill colleges have upgraded their online registration with a new interface that's easier to use. (The previous interface is no longer available, as of May 27, 2025.) Check out the user guide for the new system.

How to Add a Class

Why Doesn't the Add Code Work?

If an instructor gives you an Add Code before classes start, the Add Code will not work until the date of the first class meeting. You must wait until that date to add the class in the MyPortal registration system. (If the class has no scheduled meetings, the Add Code should work on the first date of the session.)

Find an Open Class

  • You can find an open class by checking the schedule of classes on De Anza's website. Be sure to write down the CRN for the course section that you want to add.
  • You can also search for open classes within the registration system on MyPortal:
      1. Log in to myportal.fhda.edu
      2. Click on the card for Student Registration 
      3. When a new page opens on your screen, look under "Student Registration" in the upper left, and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
      4. When the dashboard opens on your screen, click on the link to Browse Classes 
      5. On the next screen, select the term for which you want to add the class 
      6. When the search page opens, you can search for open sections of the course you want to take, by checking the box marked Open Sections Only. This will filter your results.
      7. Be sure to make note of the CRN for the course section that you want to add

Add the Class

  1. Attend the first class meeting and ask the instructor for an Add Code if space is available. 
    • If the class is taught online, email the instructor to ask for an Add Code.
    • Find instructor email addresses at deanza.edu/directory, or look for the class in the posted schedule and click on the instructor's name to get their email.
  2. On the first class meeting day, log in to myportal.fhda.edu to use the Add Code. (If the class has no scheduled meetings, the Add Code should work on the first date of the session.)
  3. When you are logged in to MyPortal, click on the Student Registration card, then look under "Student Registration" and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
  4. When the dashboard appears on your screen, click on the link to Register for Classes
  5. Select the current term and campus, then click Submit
  6. When the "Register for Classes" screen opens, select the "Enter CRNs" tab
  7. Enter the 5-digit CRN for the class and click on Add to Summary.
  8. You'll see a box pop up with the heading: Enter Your Authorization Code. This is where you type in the six-digit Add Code, and then click Confirm
  9. You should see the course appear in your Summary box with the Status showing as Pending
  10. Now click the Submit button in the lower right corner of the Summary box
  11. That should change the Status to Registered and you should see a message that says Save Successful
  12. Remember to check the deadlines for dropping the course, in case you need to do that, and be sure to pay your fees.

More Tips

  • Add Codes may contain numerals and letters. If you get an error message and your Add Code appears to contain a numeral 0 or 1, try changing those to the letter "O" or "L," or try the lowercase "o" or "l." 
  • For detailed instructions and screen images, see the MyPortal Registration Guide.

What if I'm on a waitlist?

  • Before the first class meeting, if a space becomes available for your waitlisted section, you will be automatically enrolled in the class. An email confirmation will be sent to you.
    • If you no longer want this class, it is your responsibility to drop it. Check your e-mail regularly!
  • If you are still on a waitlist on the first day of class – and you still want to take the class – you should attend the first class meeting of the quarter (or summer session).
    • You will need to ask the instructor for an add code and permission to add the class. Using the add code, you must immediately add (enroll in) the class online using your MyPortal account.
  • Be sure to pay for classes that you add, so you are not dropped for nonpayment. Check the college payment policies and deadlines for the quarter.
  • Waitlisted students get first consideration for available seats in classes, but it is still possible for other students to try to add courses once school begins.
  • See the Waitlists webpage for more information.

When is the last day I can add?

  • Check the Academic Calendar for the last day to add classes in each quarter.
  • During fall, winter and spring, the Add Code will work one time only and will be valid for the first two weeks of the quarter.
  • For summer session (and non-standard classes during 12-week quarters), you’ll find the deadlines for adding in MyPortal: Look under “View Your Class Schedule.” It’s best to add the class in MyPortal with the Add Code on the same day that you receive it.

What if I don't have a computer?

If you don't have personal access to the Internet, we may be able to help. Check the resources listed on the Student Tech Support webpage.

When the campus re-opens, you can use campus computers in any of the following locations

  • Registration & Student Services Building
  • Open Media Lab, Learning Center West (only during first two weeks of school)
  • The Internet Lab, second floor of the Learning Center (Library)

Remember to Pay Your Fees!


How to Drop a Class


If You Drop 

During the First Two Weeks of the Quarter

  • You may drop classes online by logging in to MyPortal:
    1. When you are logged in to MyPortal, click on the Student Registration card
    2. When the registration screen opens, look under "Student Registration" in the upper left and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
    3. When the dashboard appears on your screen, click on the link to Register for Classes
    4. On the next screen, look in the Summary box (in the lower right of your screen) for the class you want to drop
    5. Click to open the Action dropdown menu for that class
    6. Click to select ***Web Dropped***
    7. Click the Submit button
    8. The status will change to Deleted
  • There will be no grade recorded if you drop before the deadline. You may also be eligible for a refund, but students must submit their refund request from MyPortal.
  • If you don’t show up for the first day of class, the instructor has the option to drop you from the class. If you are unable to attend for a legitimate reason, you should notify your instructor before the class meets. You can request that your place be held, although it is instructor’s option.

(For detailed instructions and screen images, see the MyPortal Registration Guide.)

During Weeks 3-8 of the Quarter

  • You may drop classes online by logging in to MyPortal:
    1. When you are logged in to MyPortal, click on the Student Registration card
    2. When the registration screen opens, look under "Student Registration" in the upper left and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
    3. When the dashboard appears on your screen, click on the link to Register for Classes
    4. On the next screen, look in the Summary box (in the lower right of your screen) for the class you want to drop
    5. Click to open the Action dropdown menu for that class
    6. Click to select ***Web Dropped***
    7. Click the Submit button
    8. The status will change to Deleted
  • If you drop after the second week of the quarter, you will be assigned a W grade. This also applies to courses dropped after 20 percent has elapsed of a class that lasts less than 12 weeks.

After the Eighth Week of a Quarter 

  • You may drop classes online by logging in to MyPortal:
    1. When you are logged in to MyPortal, click on the Student Registration card
    2. When the registration screen opens, look under "Student Registration" in the upper left and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
    3. When the dashboard appears on your screen, click on the link to Register for Classes
    4. On the next screen, look in the Summary box (in the lower right of your screen) for the class you want to drop
    5. Click to open the Action dropdown menu for that class
    6. Click to select ***Web Dropped***
    7. Click the Submit button
    8. The status will change to Deleted
  • If you drop after the eighth week of the quarter, you will receive an appropriate grade for whatever work you completed. Classes may not be dropped at the end of the term, without documented extenuating circumstances.

During Summer Session

  • You may drop classes online by logging in to MyPortal:
    1. When you are logged in to MyPortal, click on the Student Registration card
    2. When the registration screen opens, look under "Student Registration" in the upper left and click on the blue link for the Registration Dashboard
    3. When the dashboard appears on your screen, click on the link to Register for Classes
    4. On the next screen, look in the Summary box (in the lower right of your screen) for the class you want to drop
    5. Click to open the Action dropdown menu for that class
    6. Click to select ***Web Dropped***
    7. Click the Submit button
    8. The status will change to Deleted
  • Summer classes have unique deadlines and very short periods of eligibility for refunds or Ws. Please check with your instructor or the Admissions Office for deadlines to drop during summer session.



Important 

  • Be sure to check the Academic Calendar for important deadlines.
  • If you withdraw with a "W," that may count toward the maximum of three times that you are generally allowed to enroll in a particular course. Learn more on our Course Repeatability webpage.
  • If you drop a Creative Arts or Chemistry course, you may still owe fees for materials or equipment. A "hold" will be placed on your college records and a collection agency may be notified if the balance isn't paid or the items are not returned.
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