Withdrawing From Grad School: University Of Washington Guide

If you are a graduate student at the University of Washington and are considering withdrawing, there are several steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. It is important to note that graduate students have a different policy regarding leave and are not eligible for the one-quarter-off no questions asked policy. You will need to consult with your academic adviser and discuss your plans to return, as well as review the Returning Student Reenrollment instructions and financial ramifications. Additionally, you must notify Housing and Food Services if you reside in university housing and be mindful of the impact on your immigration status, especially if you are an international student. To initiate the withdrawal process, you will need to submit the Adviser-Assisted Drop Request Form and review the tuition forfeiture and refund policies.

Notify Housing and Food Services if you live in university housing

If you currently reside in University of Washington housing, it is important to notify Housing and Food Services of your intention to withdraw. This is a necessary step in the withdrawal process, as outlined in the HFS Guides and Handbooks.

To begin, review the policies and forms on the Housing & Residential Life webpage. This webpage will outline the specific procedures and requirements for withdrawing from University housing. It is important to understand your rights and responsibilities during this process. There may be specific forms to complete or documents to submit, so be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided.

Next, initiate contact with Housing and Food Services. You may need to schedule an appointment or send an email to the appropriate department or staff member. During this communication, express your intention to withdraw from the University and request any necessary paperwork or documentation. Ask any questions you may have about the process, including specific steps, deadlines, and any potential fees or refunds.

Provide all the necessary information and documentation in a timely manner. This may include proof of your withdrawal from the University, such as an official letter or transcript. Additionally, ensure that you have settled any outstanding payments or fees associated with your housing arrangement. This could include rent, utility bills, or other charges.

Finally, confirm your move-out date and ensure a smooth transition. Coordinate with Housing and Food Services to schedule a time for returning your keys and completing any necessary inspections or paperwork. This step ensures that you have fulfilled all your obligations and can conclude your housing contract without any unforeseen issues. Remember to take care of any outstanding matters, such as forwarding your mail, cancelling any automatic payments, or updating your contact information, to ensure a seamless withdrawal from University housing.

Understand the financial implications of withdrawing

Understanding the financial implications of withdrawing from the University of Washington as a graduate student is crucial before making any decisions. Here are some essential points to consider:

Financial Aid and Refunds

If you are a recipient of financial aid, withdrawing from the university can have significant financial implications. Any refund of university charges will be returned to the financial aid programs. For Federal financial aid, if you withdraw from all classes within the first 60% of the quarter, you may need to repay a portion of the aid immediately. The amount to be repaid is calculated based on the number of days remaining in the quarter. It's important to consult a Financial Aid counselor to fully understand these implications, especially if you do not plan to return to the university in the subsequent quarter.

Tuition and Other Costs

Even if you officially withdraw, you may still be responsible for paying tuition and other costs incurred during your enrollment. This is particularly relevant if you did not take the necessary steps to officially withdraw, as the university may consider you a student who failed to pass any classes while remaining enrolled.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement

If you did not receive all the funds you earned, you may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. This could include loan funds, which you can choose to decline in part or in full to avoid additional debt. Alternatively, the university may use the funds to reduce your debt. Any refund of university charges and additional payments will be credited to the federal aid programs, up to the amount received for that quarter.

Housing and Fees

If you reside in university housing, withdrawing from the university will likely impact your housing status and related fees. You must notify Housing and Food Services of your intention to withdraw, as per the HFS Guides and Handbooks. There may be additional fees to consider, such as an enrollment confirmation fee if you take time off and then return to the university.

It is important to carefully review the Drops, Withdrawals, Forfeitures, and Refunds information from Student Fiscal Services to fully understand the financial implications of withdrawing from the University of Washington as a graduate student. The Returning Student Checklist can also provide valuable information if you plan to return to the university after taking time off.

Consult with your academic adviser

If you are considering withdrawing from the University of Washington, consulting with your academic adviser should be one of the first steps you take. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on the specific procedures and implications of withdrawing from your graduate program. Here are some detailed instructions on consulting with your academic adviser:

Understand the Reasons for Consultation:

Before meeting with your academic adviser, it's important to understand the purpose of this consultation. You may have questions about the withdrawal process, concerns about your academic record, or uncertainty about your future plans. Your adviser is there to help you navigate these complexities and make informed decisions.

Schedule a Meeting:

Reach out to your assigned academic adviser and schedule a dedicated meeting to discuss your plans to withdraw. This will ensure they can give you their undivided attention and provide the necessary guidance. During this meeting, be prepared to discuss your reasons for withdrawing, your current academic standing, and any concerns you may have about the process.

Explore Alternatives:

Your academic adviser can help you explore alternative options if you are considering withdrawing due to academic challenges, personal difficulties, or other factors. They may suggest resources such as academic support services, counselling, or leave of absence options that could address your concerns without requiring a complete withdrawal. It's worth considering all possibilities before making a final decision.

Understand the Impact on Your Academic Record:

Discuss with your adviser how withdrawing will impact your academic record and transcript. They can explain the "RD" (Registrar Drop) grade that appears on your transcript when you withdraw from a course or quarter. Understand the implications this may have on your future academic pursuits, especially if you plan to transfer to another institution or apply for graduate programs.

Review the Returning Student Process:

If you are considering returning to the University of Washington in the future, your academic adviser can outline the steps involved in the returning student process. They can guide you through the necessary forms, deadlines, and requirements to re-enroll, ensuring you are well-informed about the path back to the university.

Address Specific Concerns:

Everyone's situation is unique, and you may have specific concerns related to your program, financial aid, or personal circumstances. Your academic adviser can provide tailored advice and direct you to the appropriate resources. Be open about your situation so they can offer the most relevant guidance.

Remember, your academic adviser is a valuable resource who can help you navigate the withdrawal process and make informed decisions. They are there to support you and ensure you understand the implications of your choices. Don't hesitate to reach out and utilise their expertise throughout this transition.

Complete the Returning Student Reenrollment Form

If you are a graduate student at the University of Washington and you are considering withdrawing, you must review and complete certain steps to facilitate a smooth transition when you leave and also when/if you return to the university.

Firstly, consult with your academic adviser and discuss your plans to return. If you are an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must contact the International Student Services. If you are receiving financial aid, you should also consult a Financial Aid counsellor to understand the implications of withdrawing.

If you are planning on not attending for two consecutive quarters (not including the Summer Quarter), you will need to fill out a Returning Student Re-enrollment Form. This form is only for undergraduate and professional students who have not completed their UW degree. Graduate students who are returning from official on-leave status do not complete the Returning Student Request Form. Instead, they should contact their program advisor and the Graduate School for assistance.

Completing the Returning Student Re-enrollment Form:

• You must complete the Returning Student Request Form so that the university can reactivate your student account.
• Once you have submitted the form, you will be able to clear any holds on your registration and then confirm your intention to enrol through the Enrollment Confirmation System.
• You will then receive an email from your campus registration team confirming that your Returning Student Request Form has been processed.
• Following this, you will receive another email prompting you to confirm your enrolment for the returning quarter you indicated.
• Completing the Enrollment Confirmation step is required before you will be allowed to register and continue your studies.
• If you need help with the form, you can email [email protected].

Understand the impact on your immigration status

If you are an international student at the University of Washington on an F-1 visa, taking time off or leaving the university will have an impact on your immigration status.

Firstly, it is important to understand that international students on F-1 visas must be registered full-time, which is defined as at least 12 credits each quarter. If you drop below full-time enrollment, this may be a violation of your F-1 status. Therefore, if you are considering withdrawing from the University of Washington, you should consult with the International Student Services (ISS) to understand the impact on your F-1 visa status.

If you decide to withdraw from the university, your F-1 Leave of Absence (LOA) process will be initiated. This process is separate from any academic department or university withdrawal processes. Once your LOA is approved, your I-20 and F-1 immigration record will be terminated, and you will have 15 days to depart the U.S. During your LOA, you will not be able to use your I-20 and F-1 visa to enter the U.S. and will need to do so under another immigration status.

It is important to note that failing to maintain your F-1 status by not attending the university can result in automatic revocation of your visa. Additionally, your visa status will be negatively impacted if you do not attend the university after entering the U.S. on an F-1 visa. This may also have consequences on your future visa applications, as immigration authorities keep track of individuals who drop out of university.

The length of your leave from the University of Washington will also determine the process for returning to the university under F-1 status and can impact benefits such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). If you take a quarter off, you can enroll in the next quarter without a change in your status. However, taking a second consecutive quarter off will require you to submit a Returning Student Form and pay an enrollment confirmation fee to reactivate your status.

Frequently asked questions