Withdrawal, Cancelation, and Leave of Absences

SMU helps undergraduate students explore their leave options.

Each year, some 麻豆社 undergraduates interrupt their studies for various reasons. Some students will choose to take a leave of absence to take care of a health issue, pursue a professional or volunteer opportunity, attend to family matters, or reconsider academic goals.

This website helps students navigate the leave-taking process, thrive during their time away, and plan for a successful re-entry onto the Hilltop.

Graduate Students: Please get in touch with your academic school of record or Dean's office if you are considering taking a leave or changing your future enrollment plans.

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is when a student un enrolls from 麻豆社 for one or two consecutive long terms with plans to return. There are a variety of reasons why a student might be interested in taking a leave, including, but not limited to, personal challenges, family challenges, or illness. A Withdrawal is different from a leave of absence.

A Withdrawal is when a student drops all courses (down to 0 credits) in a given term after the first day but before the withdrawal deadline. Students can drop individual courses on their own but cannot drop to 0 credits without requesting a withdrawal.

It is common for students to request a withdrawal and LOA simultaneously.

A Withdrawal and taking a Leave of Absence due to illness differ from a Medical Withdrawal. Read more about their differences.

What to know before requesting a leave of absence

Students considering taking a leave of absence should contact their academic advisor to discuss the decision and the possible impacts on their academic progress and graduation timeline. Students planning to take classes at another university while on leave need to contact their academic advisor to before enrolling at another school. Post-matriculation transfer credit is only granted for coursework at regionally accredited four-year colleges and universities.

Withdrawal, Cancellation, and Leave of Absence deadlines

Leaves of Absence (LOA) can be requested at any time. However, some students request a withdrawal or cancellation in addition to their LOA.

  • Students enrolled in a term that has not yet begun will need to request a Course Cancellation as well as a Leave of Absence.
  • Students enrolled in a term that has already begun may request a Withdrawal to be unenrolled from the current term prior to being placed on a Leave of Absence for an upcoming semester.
  • Students not enrolled in classes need only request a Leave of Absence.
  • Please see the academic calendar for withdrawal and cancellation deadlines in relation to your academic records. Refunds are granted based on the date of outreach and follow the Bursar’s refund schedule.

Potential impacts from a leave of absence

Every student situation is unique, so we encourage you to get in touch to discuss potential impacts on your student status, but we’ve outlined the common impacts.

  • Financial aid: Withdrawing can impact a student's financial aid, including eligibility for federal student aid refunds. Financial aid recipients should contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions.
  • Tuition refund: Please refer to the refund schedule for regular withdrawal and cancellation. Please get in touch with the Bursar with questions regarding refunds.
  • Residence Life and Student Housing: Students living on campus should contact housing@smu.edu and notify them about their intention to leave. Housing contracts and associated cancellation penalties may apply. 
  • International students: International students must make an appointment with their International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) advisor and notify the office about their intention to leave. Please visit ISSS Forms/Requests for more information about the process.
  • Student-Athletes: Student-Athletes should submit their leave form to SSR and also notify their Athletic Counselor about their intention to leave.

To start the official leave process, students must submit their requests via my.麻豆社 dashboard.

Students seeking a voluntary medical withdrawal due to a medical or psychological condition must submit a and select medical withdrawal request. Additional information on requesting and returning from a medical leave of absence can be found on the Dean of Student’s website.

If requesting a Leave of Absence, students can request for LOA for up to two consecutive long terms. To extend the leave, students must meet with the Director of Academic Records to discuss their options.

Checklist:

  1. Speak with an academic advisor about your intention to take a leave
  2. Submit the Leave Request via the online form.
  3. Contact Residence Life & Student Housing, Financial Aid, or International Student & Scholar Services, as applicable.

We檙e here when you need us.

SMU is happy to answer undergraduate student questions and guide them through the leave process. Please email, call, or book an appointment.

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