Boston University Lifebook - Academic Policies - Withdrawal and Leaves of Absence

Withdrawal and Leaves of Absence

Undergraduate degree candidates who wish to withdraw or take a leave of absence must do so at the University Service Center, 881 Commonwealth Avenue. Students who are not in the area should mail or fax (617-358-1819) a signed request to the Service Center. (Graduate students should submit their request to their Academic Dean’s office. MET evening students and all non-degree students should submit their requests directly to the Office of the University Registrar.) Students on a leave of absence are considered matriculated students at Boston University and may not enroll as degree candidates at another institution.

A leave of absence or withdrawal is effective on the date it is received in the appropriate office. The standard refund schedule calls for charges for undergraduate students (excluding those in Metropolitan College) to be canceled as follows:

Before the start of the semester—100 percent tuition and fees
During the first two weeks of classes—80 percent of tuition
During the third week of classes—60 percent of tuition
During the fourth week of classes—40 percent of tuition
During the fifth week of classes—20 percent of tuition
After the fifth week of classes—no cancellation

Students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from the University must withdraw from the University residential system. To be considered officially withdrawn from the University residential system, students who withdraw or take a leave of absence from the University must complete all of the checkout procedures outlined in the “Term/Cancellation” section of the Terms and Conditions of the Residence License Agreement within forty-eight hours of their leave or withdrawal. Residence and board fees are credited according to the “Credits of Residence and Board Fees upon Withdrawal” schedule in the Terms and Conditions of the Residence License Agreement, only after these checkout procedures are completed.

Students who have withdrawn from the University residential system, or who have been separated from the University residential system, are not guaranteed an on-campus assignment in the current or subsequent semesters. The application fee, tuition deposit, and housing guarantee payment are nonrefundable. No fees are refunded after the beginning of classes. A credit balance on your account resulting from withdrawal, overpayment, or adjustment will be refunded upon written request to Student Accounting Services, 881 Commonwealth Avenue, Lower Level, Boston, MA 02215.

July 23, 2004