Withdrawing From University Of Houston: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you are a student at the University of Houston and you need to withdraw, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, withdrawing from the university can have financial implications, including the cancellation of future aid and the requirement to return any federal funds received. Additionally, withdrawing may impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and your eligibility for future financial aid. The specific process for withdrawing will depend on your individual circumstances, such as whether you are withdrawing for medical reasons or due to extenuating circumstances. In most cases, you will need to notify your instructors and the relevant university departments, and you may be required to complete a drop form or a withdrawal request form. It is important to follow the correct procedures and stay enrolled in your classes until the withdrawal process is complete.

How to Withdraw as a Student from the University of Houston

Financial obligations and aid

Students who withdraw from the University of Houston are still responsible for any outstanding tuition fees or other financial obligations to the university. This includes any federal or state aid received, which may need to be refunded, and future aid will be canceled.

Federal regulations require a refund calculation for students receiving Federal Title IV Funds, and this may result in a balance owed to the university. If a student withdraws before the 60% point in time, all or a portion of Title IV Funds awarded must be returned according to the Higher Education Act Amendment of 1998. This includes funds from the Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant Program, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Program, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program, and Federal PLUS Loans.

Withdrawing from classes will also impact a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and may result in ineligibility for future financial aid. Any changes to enrollment should be discussed with a financial aid advisor. For F-1 students, meeting with the LCC Director is necessary to discuss transferring out, departing the US, and terminating the Student Health Insurance Plan.

Additionally, students who have reached their limit of six "W" grades (withdrawals) must complete all classes. To officially withdraw with a "W," students must process the drop by the last day noted on the academic calendar and submit the necessary forms to the Office of the University Registrar by 5:00 pm on the drop due date.

Medical withdrawals

If you are considering withdrawing from the University of Houston for medical reasons, there are several important steps you need to take. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of a medical withdrawal on your academic and financial standing. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consult with the Program Coordinator at the UH Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs to explore all available options and receive advising from relevant UH departments. This step will help you make an informed decision regarding your enrolment.

To initiate the medical withdrawal process, you must submit a request to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs or their designated representative as soon as possible. This request should include all appropriate documentation, such as a statement from a physician or psychologist, explaining your medical circumstances. The Senior Vice President or their representative will review your request, make inquiries, and seek recommendations from instructors and other relevant parties. It is important to note that you may be required to provide a letter of support from a licensed mental health provider, such as a doctor or psychiatrist.

The University of Houston sets specific deadlines for medical withdrawals. Your request should be filed no later than 140 calendar days after the close of the term in which the coursework was taken. If you submit your request after the posted semester withdrawal deadline, it will be considered an emergency/medical withdrawal, and you will still be responsible for providing the necessary documentation. Students who receive medical withdrawals after the last day to withdraw without receiving a grade will typically receive a "W" in each course they were enrolled in, although instructors can assign an "I" or "F" at their discretion.

It is important to be aware that medical withdrawals may impact your financial obligations to the university. Withdrawing from classes can affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and result in the cancellation of future financial aid. Additionally, federal regulations require a refund calculation for students receiving Federal Title IV Funds, which may lead to owing a balance to the university. Therefore, it is essential to discuss any changes to your enrolment with a financial aid advisor to understand the financial implications fully.

Administrative withdrawals

To request an administrative withdrawal, students (or their appointed representatives) should submit a request as soon as possible. The deadline for submitting a request is 140 calendar days after the close of the term in which the course was taken. The request should include all relevant documentation.

Students who receive an administrative withdrawal after the last day to withdraw without receiving a grade will usually receive a 'W' in each course they were enrolled in. However, the instructor may instead assign an 'I' or 'F'. If a student receives an administrative withdrawal, they will normally be liable for a refund calculation, and any future aid will be canceled. Students who receive an administrative withdrawal must obtain permission from the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designated representative) to enroll again at the University of Houston.

It is important to note that students may not receive administrative withdrawals for courses in which they have been found guilty of violating the Academic Honesty Policy. Additionally, withdrawing from classes will impact a student's Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and may cause them to become ineligible for future financial aid.

Dropping courses

If you are considering dropping a course at the University of Houston, it is important to be aware of the potential financial and academic implications. Withdrawing from classes can impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and may affect your eligibility for future financial aid.

To drop a course with a 'W' grade, you must process the drop by the last day to drop a course, as noted on the academic calendar. This option is only available to students who have not reached their 6 W grades limit. To initiate the drop, you must email your instructor with your request, including your name, PeopleSoft number, the class name and number, and the instructor's name. You should also copy the Office of Educational Outreach at [email protected] on the email. Once you receive acknowledgment from your instructor, the Office of Educational Outreach will complete the necessary drop form and submit it to the Office of the University Registrar. Graduate students must complete and submit their own drop forms, which can be obtained from any academic department or the Graduate School website. Remember to continue attending the class until the drop is visible in your myUH self-service account.

If you are an international student on an F1 or J1 visa, you are required to maintain full-time enrollment. You must meet with an ISSSO counselor to be approved for a reduction in course load, and your request must be made before the last day to drop for the term. Similarly, student-athletes are required to maintain full-time enrollment and must meet with an athletic counselor at the start of each term to discuss any potential reduction in course load.

Please note that dropping a course or withdrawing from the university will not relieve you of any financial obligations to the university. Stopping payment on tuition fees is not considered sufficient notice of withdrawal and will not release you from your financial responsibilities.

Cancelling enrollment

To cancel your enrollment at the University of Houston, you must follow the official withdrawal policy. The process varies depending on whether you are withdrawing from individual courses or from the university altogether.

Withdrawing from Individual Courses

If you are withdrawing from individual courses, you must do so by the last day to drop a course, as noted on the academic calendar. Undergraduates who have reached their limit of 6 'W' grades must complete all remaining classes. To drop a course with a 'W', you must email your instructors to inform them of your intention, and copy the Office of Educational Outreach at [email protected]. Your email must include your name, PeopleSoft number, the class name and number, and the instructor's name. The instructor must then reply to all with their acknowledgment of the drop. The Office of Educational Outreach will complete the drop form and submit it to the Office of the University Registrar. Graduate students must complete a drop form, which can be picked up from any academic department or downloaded from the Graduate School website. A separate form is required for each course and must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar by 5:00 pm on the drop due date.

Withdrawing from the University

If you are withdrawing from the university altogether, you must follow the steps outlined below.

• Contact your instructors and the relevant academic departments to inform them of your intention to withdraw.
• If you are an F-1 student, meet with the LCC Director to discuss transferring out, departing the US, and terminating your Student Health Insurance Plan.
• If you are withdrawing for medical reasons, submit a medical withdrawal request to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs as soon as possible, and no later than 140 calendar days after the close of the term. Your request must include all appropriate documentation, including a statement from a physician or psychologist.
• If you are withdrawing due to extenuating circumstances beyond your control, submit an administrative withdrawal request to the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs as soon as possible, and no later than 140 days after the close of the term.
• Be aware of the financial implications of withdrawing. Federal regulations require a refund calculation for students receiving Federal Title IV Funds, and you may owe a balance to the university. Any future financial aid will be canceled, and your withdrawal will impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress standing.

Frequently asked questions