Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the USC?

The USC is an excellent starting point for anyone who is unsure of where to turn for help. The office was designed to assist students and parents with concerns which don’t seem to fit any of the more specialized administrative offices at the University, or which may involve the cooperation of several offices to resolve. The USC’s first line of response is its associate director staff, who are generalists skilled at researching and responding to a wide range of questions and concerns.

Where is the USC?

The University Service Center is located on the lower level of 881 Commonwealth Avenue.

When is the USC open?

The USC is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What’s the difference between withdrawal and leave of absence?

A leave of absence is a temporary break in your studies; your return to the University is expected once the period of your leave has ended. A withdrawal is permanent; if you wish to return to the University, you must re-apply through the Office of Admissions. If you enroll as a degree candidate at another institution, you must withdraw from Boston University.

I am an undergraduate degree student. Where do I get a Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form?

A Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form may be completed at the University Service Center, during normal business hours. If you are not in the area and cannot visit the University Service Center, completion of the form is not necessary: a letter, with your signature, requesting a leave or withdrawal will suffice and be effective when it is received at the USC. The letter should include your University identification number (U#), your address and telephone number and, in the case of a leave of absence, the length of the requested leave.

Where do students who are not undergraduates arrange to withdraw or take a leave of absence?

Graduate students should contact their academic dean’s office; Metropolitan College part-time and non-degree students should contact the MET dean’s office. Other non-degree students arrange for a leave or withdrawal through the academic dean’s office at their School or College of registration. If you are unsure of what office to contact, please call the University Service Center and we will direct you.

Will any of my tuition be canceled if I take a leave or withdraw?

Students are entitled to the cancellation of tuition in accordance with the published refund schedule, based on the effective date of their leave of absence or withdrawal. Requests for a leave or withdrawal are effective when the signed request is received in the appropriate office.

When is the last day I can take a leave of absence or withdraw from a semester?

The date varies from semester to semester, depending on the academic calendar. Current information can be found at www.bu.edu/reg/registration/wdwlreg.html.

Can I take classes at another institution during my leave of absence?

Only as a non-degree or visiting student. Contact the academic advising office at your School or College for pre-approval of transfer credit for classes you wish to take elsewhere during your leave of absence. If you enroll as a degree candidate at another institution, you must officially withdraw from Boston University.

If I take a leave of absence, can I take a class at MET?

No, your leave of absence is a leave from Boston University, not your School or College. If you have any questions about academic options, talk with staff in your academic advising office.

Is there a limit to the number of semesters of leave of absence I may take?

The University Service Center will typically approve as many as four semesters of leave of absence. If you wish to arrange for additional leave—whether for required military service in your home country, or any other reason—you should obtain the approval of your academic dean’s office before contacting the USC.

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