Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Reinstatement

University Policy

School of Education Policy

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students wishing to withdraw or take a leave of absence must submit their requests in writing to the University Service Center, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215. Members of the University Service Center staff are available to meet with students to discuss the withdrawal and leave options.

A withdrawal or leave of absence is effective on the day the signed request is received; tuition and fees are canceled in accordance with the University’s refund schedule, which is published by the Office of the University Registrar.

If an undergraduate takes a leave of absence, the period of authorized leave of absence is counted as part of the time allowed for completion of degree requirements.

A student returning from an official leave of absence should meet with his or her faculty advisor.

For information about a medical leave of absence, see the University Policy.

Reinstatement

Students who wish to return from a withdrawal and students who did not file for an official leave of absence when they left must file a petition for reinstatement, found in the SED Student Records office, Room 127.

Graduate Students

Graduate students who wish to withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University must submit a Withdrawal/Leave of Absence form to the SED Student Records office, Room 127. Continuing graduate students cannot drop to 0 credits on the Student Link, so students who do not wish to enroll for credit must withdraw or take a leave of absence.

Upon written request and for appropriate cause, a student will be allowed up to two semesters of leave. Deadlines relevant to withdrawing or taking a leave of absence are posted on the Registrar’s website.

International students must meet with an International Students & Scholars office advisor prior to any interruption of studies. Obtaining transfer approval to another university from the International Students & Scholars office does not withdraw a student from Boston University.

A request for a withdrawal or leave of absence is effective on the day it is received in the appropriate office; charges are canceled in accordance with the University’s published refund schedule, based on the effective date of the student’s leave of absence or withdrawal. Mere absence from class does not reduce financial obligations or guarantee that final grades will not be recorded.

The period of authorized leave of absence is counted as part of the time allowed for completion of degree requirements.

For information about a medical leave of absence, see the University Policy.

Reinstatement

Graduate students who are withdrawn or who are absent for one or more semesters without officially taking a leave of absence must contact the SED Student Records office at least eight weeks before the start of the semester they wish to return to inquire about petitioning for reinstatement.

Non-Degree Students

Non-degree students looking to drop a class to zero (0) credits must fill out a Leave of Absence form and submit to the SED Student Records office for processing. Deadlines and published refund schedules are located on the Registrar’s website.