Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Reinstatement

University Policy

Students who wish to withdraw from the University or take a leave of absence must submit their requests in writing; mere absence from class does not reduce financial obligations or guarantee that final grades will not be recorded. Undergraduate degree candidates submit their requests to the University Service Center; Metropolitan College part-time and non-degree students submit them to the Dean’s office of Metropolitan College or the University Registrar. All other students submit their requests to the Dean’s office in their school or college of enrollment. A withdrawal or leave of absence is effective on the day a signed request is received in the appropriate office; tuition and fees are canceled in accordance with the University’s refund schedule, which is published by the University Registrar and is available at University Registrar’s Office.

Students who are voluntarily absent for one or more semesters without officially taking a leave of absence may jeopardize their privilege to return, and must contact their school or college at least eight weeks before the start of the semester to inquire about reinstatement. Students who, during their absence from the University, have enrolled as degree candidates at another institution must reapply through Admissions as transfer students. The individual schools and colleges may have additional stipulations regarding withdrawals and leaves of absence.

Students who have left the University for medical reasons may be required to provide a letter from a physician stating that they are able to return.

Refunds are explained under Withdrawals and Refunds in the Financial Information section of this bulletin.

School of Public Health Policy

A degree candidate in good standing may request up to a one year or two semesters of leave of absence from the School of Public Health by completing a Request for Leave of Absence Form prior to the official start of the semester in which he or she wishes to take the leave of absence. Request for a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal forms are available on the shelves outside the Registrar’s Office on  Talbot 210 Center and on the School of Public Health website. If requesting a Leave of Absence, the request should include a reason for requesting the leave, the anticipated date of return to the degree program, the student’s name, address, Boston University identification number, and department(s) of concentration.

Students who are not able to continue in their degree program due to relocation, ongoing academic difficulty, or other personal circumstances may voluntarily withdraw from Boston University.  To avoid academic and financial penalties, students must withdraw prior to the first day of the upcoming academic semester by completing a Request for a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal. Forms are available on the shelves outside the Registrar’s Office on Talbot 210 Center and on the School of Public Health website.

Degree candidates who fail to register for two consecutive fall and spring semesters without receiving approval from the SPH Registrar will be administratively withdrawn. Lack of registration does not constitute an official leave of absence or withdrawal.

If the School of Public Health Registrar does not receive a registered student’s request to take a leave of absence or to withdraw from the program prior to the start of the semester, the student will be liable for tuition and fees based upon University policy. Any students receiving tuition remission benefits from BU may have financial issues to settle and should contact their benefits representative for information should they seek to withdraw or file a Leave of Absence in addition to contacting the SPH Registrar’s Office.

If a registered student withdraws after the start of the School of Public Health academic semester, the University will require payment according to the University Refund Policy. The refund schedule is published every semester at www.bu.edu/comp/saweb and is based upon the date the written notification from the student is received by the SPH Registrar’s Office.