Withdrawal & Leave of Absence
Withdrawing From Susquehanna
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.
Withdrawal Deadlines
The Academic Calendar lists withdrawal deadlines for the academic year.
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 or returning to the university, you are strongly encouraged to follow the process outlined below to best support your academic transition.
You are advised to first meet with your academic advisor before continuing the withdrawal/leave of absence process.
Contact the Center for Academic Success. 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
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 withdrawal & tuition adjustment policy is available on the Student Financial Services page. 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
Academic Major Program Requirements
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.
Withdrawal or Leave Scenarios
Review the following scenarios for more information and steps necessary to withdraw or leave 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.
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 Course Load Reduction: Voluntary course load reduction after withdrawal deadline, which is granted in order to improve mental or physical health.
All requested documentation must be submitted to the Center for Academic Success () for consideration. To request a medical leave of absence or course load reduction:
Have your physician, therapist or other provider of medical/psychological care submit the “Medical Leave of Absence or Course Reduction Provider Documentation” form. This form must be submitted to the Center for Academic Success.
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 Student Request” form.
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.
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.
Contact Information:
Student Financial Services
Phone: 570-372-4450
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 Susquehanna, please visit Returning to the University.
Have Questions?
Contact US
Center for Academic Success
514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870
Location
Fisher Hall, Second Floor
Phone & Email
570-372-4412