Withdrawing Due to Extenuating and Unforeseen Circumstances

If you are forced to withdraw from your studies due to unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, you may request an exception to the university's written withdrawal policy from the Office of Administration through Student Accounts.

All requests are evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed. Providing an exception to the university's stated withdrawal policy is at the discretion of the Office of Administration (Student Accounts).

Requirements for Exceptions

Note: All must be met.

• You officially withdrew from your study or studies within the first half of term for which you are requesting an exception.
• The extenuating circumstances that forced you to withdraw occurred during the first half of the term for which you are requesting an exception.
• Pre-existing conditions, circumstances occurring within the second half of the term, or situations after the term ends are not eligible for an exception to the withdrawal policy. All requests are for only one term per circumstance.
• If extenuating circumstances forced you to withdraw within the first half of the term, you may request an exception to the stated withdrawal policy within one year* of the term end date. Exception requests received after this date will not be considered.

* Please see Important Information section below pertaining to one-year time frame

Appropriate Conditions for Exceptions

• Unforeseen medical incapacitation or physical or mental illness that took place within the first half of the term and forced you to withdraw
• Death of immediate family member (e.g. parent, sibling, child, spouse, domestic partner), or someone for whom you are the documented primary caretaker, which took place within the first half of the term and forced you to withdraw.
• Other severe and unforeseen circumstances that took place within the first half of the term and forced you to withdraw.

Unacceptable Conditions for Exceptions

Withdrawal refund dates are widely publicized. Therefore, appeals based on lack of awareness of dates will not be reviewed. In addition, your request will not be considered if:

• Your circumstances did not take place within the first half of the term.
• You did not withdraw within the first half of term (provided you were physically able to).
• You received a letter grade or an Incomplete for the study or studies.
• You had a pre-existing condition that began or exacerbated prior to the term start or after the first half of the term.
• Your request is due to a service-related issue; please contact your Student Service representative.
• You did not have Internet access or your computer broke.

For More Information

• How to Apply for an Exception to the Withdrawal Policy
• Acceptable Third-party Documentation
• Important Information
• What to Expect