Withdrawal and Leave of Absence

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As a student, you might be considering whether taking a leave of absence from the university is the right decision for you based on your individual circumstances at this time. The Center for Academic Success understands the various reasons why you might need to take some time away and has outlined steps below to help you make an informed decision — and how to reenroll in classes when you return.

Withdrawal or Leave of Absence

Susquehanna University supports each student’s academic journey and advises you to engage with members of the university community to better inform you of options that are available to you. If you are considering time away from the university, or looking to return, you are strongly encouraged to follow the process outlined below to best support your academic transition.

Step 1: Meet with Your Advisor

You are advised to first meet with your academic advisor before continuing the withdrawal/leave of absence process.

Step 2: Notify the Center for Academic Success

Contact the Center for Academic Success (CAS). In order to proceed with the process and discuss which option may be right for you based on your circumstance, the CAS can assist in your transition and will answer any questions you may have.

Contact Information:
Center for Academic Success
Fisher Hall, 2nd level
Phone: 570-372-4412
su-cas@ngskmc-eis.net

Step 3: Notify Student Financial Services

Contact Student Financial Services (SFS) as soon as possible to discuss the financial impacts of your departure. It is important to understand that you may have a balance due to the university upon leaving, even if your bill had previously been satisfied through payment arrangements you set up before the semester began. For example, SFS is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid (Pell, student loans, Parent PLUS loans, etc.) eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed or take a leave of absence before completing 60 percent of a payment period or term.

The university’s refund policy is available at ngskmc-eis.net/refund. This policy affects all students withdrawing the university for any reason, and dependent upon the timing of your withdrawal, it will impact your incurred charges and institutional aid in some way.

Contact Information:
Student Financial Services
Phone: 570-372-4450
sfs@ngskmc-eis.net

Step 4 for International Students

International students are required to complete the withdrawal process as well as notify the university’s International Student Services Coordinator at iss@ngskmc-eis.net.

Academic Plan

If you take time away and return to Susquehanna, your program requirements may change when you reenroll. If you leave the university for one year or less, you may fulfill either your original major and Central Curriculum requirements or the revised requirements. If you withdraw or take a leave of absence from the university for more than one year, you will follow any changes made in your academic program requirements during that time.

Transcripts

The Registrar’s Office will issue your official transcripts of your academic record upon signed request. Susquehanna reserves the right to withhold transcripts of students who have outstanding financial obligations to the university.

Request a Transcript

Withdrawal or Leave Scenarios

Review the following scenarios for more information and steps necessary to withdrawal or leave from the university.

Susquehanna University is fully committed to supporting students in achieving success. Sometimes a medical or psychological condition can impact a student’s ability to function so severely that either reducing the course load or withdrawing temporarily from the university may be worth considering.

During a complete Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA), we ask that you seek medical treatment to resolve the issue and/or participate in ongoing therapeutic care while you are away. Students are generally expected to spend at least three months and up to one full semester away from the university to focus on treatment and recovery from the matters that precipitated the MLOA.

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA): Voluntary withdrawal from the university in order to improve mental or physical health, which has been supported by a medical or mental health provider.

Medical Leave of Absence Form

Medical Course Load Reduction: Voluntary course load reduction after withdrawal deadline, which is granted in order to improve mental or physical health.

Medical Withdrawal Documentation Form

All requested documentation must be submitted to the Center for Academic Success for consideration. To request a medical leave of absence or course reduction:

Meet with a staff member in the Center for Academic Success to discuss your circumstances and to learn about options.
Complete the Medical Leave of Absence or Course Reduction Request form.
Have your physician, therapist or other provider of medical/psychological care submit the Medical Withdrawal Documentation form. This form must be submitted to the Center for Academic Success.

For more information on the Medical Leave of Absence and Involuntary Health-Related Withdrawal Policy, click here.

Academic suspension is the end result of falling below Susquehanna University’s standards for good academic standing. Students who are academically suspended are not eligible to register for classes and are required to take time away from the institution.

Students are notified of their academic suspension by phone, email and a letter that is sent home.

The first academic suspension must include at least one semester and one summer and, depending on circumstances, may require two semesters and one summer. If the student again meets the criteria for academic suspension after readmission, they will be permanently suspended from the university.

To understand requirements related to the academic progress policy for financial aid, students can contact Student Financial Services. To discuss vacating the residence hall, students can contact Residence Life.

To help you prepare for a strong return, examples of actions you can take during your time away include:

Working closely with a Center for Academic Success staff member
Earning grades of C or higher in coursework at another institution
Finding full-time employment or volunteer opportunities
Working consistently with a health/mental health professional

When you are ready to return to SU, follow the steps on the Returning from Academic Suspension tab and feel free to contact the Center for Academic Success for assistance.