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 an upcoming semester (or semesters) must submit the Leaving the University form through the Student Information System (SIS) no later than the day before the beginning of the semester the student plans to be on leave. Students should select the "leave of absence" option on the form.

Students who have been on an approved leave of absence should apply for readmission using the Returning to the University form in SIS (see below for guidance). However, please note that students who enter a degree program at another institution while away must reapply through the University Admissions Office 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. A partial refund of tuition and fees may be available depending upon when during the semester you withdraw. Please consult with Student Financial Services for details.

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

Sometimes circumstances arise that make it necessary for a student to withdraw during the semester. Students who are thinking about withdrawing during the semester are encouraged to reach out to their Advising Dean for advice and support. 

To withdraw from the semester, a student must submit a Leaving the University form in SIS. Once the form is submitted, it is automatically routed to the appropriate offices for review, which includes the student's Advising Dean, the International Studies Office (if applicable), Care and Support Services, and the University Registrar (UREG).

Each office reviews the request based on its role in the withdrawal process and provides the necessary acknowledgment, approval, or decision. This review helps ensure that students receive the appropriate guidance and that all University requirements related to their withdrawal are completed. When the request has been approved by all appropriate offices, the student will receive an email at their UVA account that confirms that they have been successfully withdrawn.

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

Any student who leaves without an approved Leaving the University form will not be considered officially withdrawn and will receive grades for enrolled classes. 

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 and fall or fall and 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 may be 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 from the previous semester. 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 and fall or fall and spring) must sit out for one full academic year.

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

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.