Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals

Educational Leaves of Absence   Students who wish to take a leave of absence to pursue educational interests at another educational institution in the United States must apply for a leave of absence at their dean's office. Students who wish to study abroad in an accredited program or at an accredited foreign university must apply for a leave of absence at the International Studies Office. While on such an approved leave, a student must register at the University of Virginia as a non-resident and pay a non-resident fee which indicates that he or she is on an approved leave of absence pursuing educational interests elsewhere. Students registered for an approved leave may pre-enroll for courses and do not have to apply for readmission to the University, although they must notify their dean's office or the International Studies Office of when they intend to return.

Exclusion From Courses   A student who is making no real progress in a course or whose behavior is detracting from the course may be excluded from the course by the dean with a grade of WF or F. Students have five calendar days following written notification of this exclusion in which to appeal. Until the final disposition of the appeal, the student is considered to be enrolled in the course.

Enforced Withdrawal   Students may be forced to withdraw from the University for habitual delinquency in class, habitual idleness, or any other fault which prevents the student from fulfilling the purpose implied by registration at the University. Students who are forced to withdraw during a given term will have the notation "enforced withdrawal (date)" entered on their permanent academic records following the semester in which the action occurred. A grade of W (withdrawal) or WD (administrative withdrawal) will be entered for each course in which the students were registered. Students who have been forced to withdraw must apply for readmission to their dean's office in the same manner as suspended students.

Medical Withdrawal   Students who withdraw for reasons of health must obtain permission from the Department of Student Health. A grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered for each course in which the students were registered. Subsequent medical clearance from the Department of Student Health is required for readmission.

Voluntary Withdrawal   Students may withdraw from the University before the conclusion of a semester under the following conditions:

1. Students under the age of 18 must give notice to their parents or legal guardians of their intention to withdraw. Evidence of such notice must be provided at the time of the withdrawal.
2. Applications for withdrawal must be made in writing to the students' academic dean's office and must be approved by the dean.
3. Failure to comply with the above regulations will subject a student to suspension from the University by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Any student who withdraws without having obtained permission is recorded as having been suspended with a grade of F recorded for each course.
4. Students who withdraw from the University voluntarily will have the notation "withdrew (date)" recorded on their permanent academic record Students who withdraw will receive grades of W, WP, or WF in their courses, depending upon the school in which they are enrolled.

Specific voluntary withdrawal and readmission policies may vary by school, and are detailed in subsequent chapters.

Appeals   Students have the right to appeal imposition of sanctions. During the pendency of his or her appeal, a student's standing remains status quo.

Continue to: Non-Resident Status
Return to: Chapter 5 Index