Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence

The College expects students to register each semester and proceed to the completion of their degree programs. However, students may request to take a leave of absence, valid for up to two consecutive semesters. 

Students who plan to be away from the University in a subsequent semester (or semesters) should file for a Leave of Absence no later than the day before the beginning of the semester the student plans to be on leave. Students may file for a Leave of Absence through the Student Information System (SIS).   

Students in the College who have been on an approved leave of absence apply for re-admission when returning to the University (see below). Students who enter a degree program at another institution, however, must reapply to the University as transfer students and are not guaranteed acceptance.

All requests for Leave of Absence must be filed prior to the first day of the semester. As of the first day of class in a semester, students wishing to leave the University must withdraw and will forfeit part or all of their tuition, depending on the timing of the withdrawal.

New students may not take a Leave of Absence, but may request a deferral from the Office of Admission.

With the approval of your Advising Dean, you may withdraw from the College (using the eForm in SIS) for personal or medical reasons. Students taking a medical withdrawal are encouraged to meet with someone in the Department of Student Health prior to leaving the University (see Medical Withdrawal below).

If you withdraw during the last 10 class days immediately preceding the Final Examination period, you are not permitted to re-enter the College the succeeding semester (see the College calendar for specific dates). 

Students under the age of 18 must give notice to their parents or legal guardians of their intention to withdraw. Evidence of this notice must be provided at the time of withdrawal.

Students must initiate their withdrawal in SIS using the Leaving the University Form. The withdrawal must be approved by the student's Academic Advising Dean. 

Failure to comply with the above regulations will subject a student to suspension from the University by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Any student who leaves without having obtained permission is recorded as having been suspended with a grade of F recorded for each course.

How a Withdrawal Appears on an Academic Record

Students who withdraw from the University voluntarily will have the notation "withdrew (date)" recorded on their permanent academic record and will receive a grade of W in each of their courses, even if a grade has posted.

Withdrawing Within 10 Days of Final Examinations

Students who withdraw within 10 class days immediately preceding the final examination period are not permitted to re-enter the College for the succeeding semester nor to present transfer credit earned during the same time.

Withdrawing in Consecutive Semesters

Students who withdraw in consecutive semesters (spring to fall or fall to spring) must sit out for one full academic year.

Financial Aid

Check with the Financial Aid office to determine how your withdrawal will affect your financial aid. A partial refund of tuition and fees is available depending upon when during the semester you withdraw.

Applying for Readmission

All students who withdraw must apply for readmission to their school of enrollment. College students should contact their Advising Dean.

When students withdraw from a semester, a grade of W (withdrawal) is entered for each course in which the student was registered. Students taking a medical withdrawal are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of Student Health and Wellness before they leave. Medical clearance from the Department of Student Health and Wellness is required for readmission.

In very unusual medical circumstances, documented by professional certification, a College student has one semester in which to petition for a retroactive medical withdrawal. If approved, all grades convert to Ws and the student is obliged to be absent for a full semester before resuming full-time study.

Students who withdraw in consecutive terms (spring to fall or fall to spring) must sit out for one full academic year.

All students who withdraw must apply for readmission to their dean’s office.

Students may be forced to withdraw from the University for habitual delinquency in class, habitual idleness, or any other fault that prevents the student from fulfilling the purpose implied by enrollment at the University. 

Students who are forced to withdraw during a given term will have the notation “Withdrawal Date: MM/DD/YYYY” entered on their permanent academic records following the semester in which the action occurred. A grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered for each course in which the student was registered. Students who have been forced to withdraw must apply for readmission with their dean’s office in the same manner as suspended students. A grade of W cannot be changed.