Student Advocacy Services

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Students who are considering withdrawal from the University should contact a staff member from Student Advocacy Services who may be able to provide guidance for other alternatives.

Appeals for Course Withdrawals
& Tuition Refunds

Extenuating Circumstances | Withdrawal Procedures
Additional Information

Students who wish to withdraw from courses during the semester after posted drop dates, or wish to appeal for tuition refunds and are no longer eligible, can appeal the process if there are extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student involved.

Extenuating Circumstances

Circumstances reasonably beyond the control of the student which caused the student to be unable to attend classes, complete the semester or otherwise become delinquent academically may be considered for a possible late withdrawal. Documentation to substantiate the student's claim is required. Requests are to be made in a timely fashion when it first becomes evident that circumstances prevent a student from performing academically.

Requests delayed beyond a reasonable time will receive critical scrutiny.

Such circumstances include:

  • An incapacitating illness or injury (i.e., medical, psychological) that prevents the student from returning to school for the remainder of the semester
  • Death of the student
  • Death of the student's spouse, child, parent or legal guardian
  • Induction of the student into the United States armed forces
  • Other exceptional circumstances beyond the student's control

Students who believe that their circumstances fall under extenuating circumstances and want to appeal for a refund and/or to be withdrawn from classes must follow the procedures outlined below (please note, refunds are considered based on University drop-date policies):

Extenuating Circumstances Withdrawal Procedures

  1. Contact Student Advocacy Services to set up an appointment
  2. At the meeting, be prepared to discuss your circumstances and possible options with a Student Advocacy staff member.
  3. Bring with you a signed letter of intent that outlines your specific request. This letter should include detailed information about the situation and the specific course of action that you are requesting. Be sure to include the last date you attended classes. Current contact information will need to be provided on all correspondence with our office.
  4. Provide documentation to support your specific request (e.g., letter from therapist, hospital documentation, police report, etc.). Your request will not be processed until sufficient documentation is provided.
  5. All paperwork (letter of intent, supporting documentation, confidential information form [pdf], consent for information release [pdf]) must be completed and turned in to Student Advocacy Services.
  6. Once your paperwork is in order, Student Advocacy Services will forward your request to the Student Appeals Board.
  7. The Appeals Board will make the final decision regarding your case. If the committee grants approval of your appeal, you will receive a W on your transcript from the course(s) that you are withdrawn from. If you plan on returning to the university any time after the semester from which you withdraw, you will need to complete the Returning Student Application form, available at the Admissions and Records Office.
  8. Students will receive written notification regarding the results of the Appeals Board findings. This process may take up to two weeks from the date your appeal was submitted to the Board. Additionally, a staff member from Student Advocacy will phone you following the Board meeting.

Additional Information

Please be aware that it is up to each student to clear all financial obligations with the university. Students receiving financial aid/scholarships and withdrawing from any class may have their aid adjusted. For example, if you are a financial aid recipient, it is your responsibility to obtain counseling from a financial aid officer about the impact of dropping courses or a total withdrawal on your financial aid status.

  • It is important to note that the Student Appeals Board only makes decisions on class withdrawal. Housing, dining license agreement, parking, or other University departments are not under its jurisdiction.
  • Seek an exit interview if you believe you need to totally withdraw from the university but your situation does not fall under extenuating circumstances policy.
  • There are no further appeals for the refund process.
  • In all withdrawal correspondence, be sure to include your name, student ID number, the semester you are referring to, contact information, and your signature.