Leave of Absence and Withdrawal
Use the process outlined below if you are an undergraduate degree candidate arranging a leave of absence or permanent withdrawal for Spring 2026.
- Deadline to complete all steps is Wednesday, April 15 at 5pm Eastern. (See Spring 2026 Semester Dates at https://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/semester/.)
- Tuition–and residence/dining charges, if applicable–will be adjusted in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule and the Terms and Conditions of the Residence License Agreement.
- Graduate, nondegree, and Metropolitan College students should contact their academic program for guidance on taking a leave or withdrawing. (Do not use the process steps below.)
Information on the Fall 2026 leave/withdrawal process will be available in early May 2026.
Step 1: Understand your options
Review the implications and deadlines for your situation (before semester, on or after the first day of the term/mid-semester) on the FAQs page. Pay special attention to key deadlines and impacts of your decision on registration, billing, housing, financial aid, and campus services. Be sure to consult with appropriate resources, and determine whether you are arranging a leave of absence or a withdrawal/discontinuation, before proceeding to Step #2, below.
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Leave of absence (LOA): a temporary pause in your degree program; you plan to return.
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Withdrawal/Discontinuation: a permanent end to degree studies.
Step 2: Submit your request
To request a leave or withdrawal, complete and submit all forms below; your request will not be reviewed if items are missing or incomplete:
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Appointment status notification (I am waiving or I am scheduling)
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International students: if you hold F-1 or J-1 status, you must also file a leave request through the ISSOPortal “Request Center”; this is in addition to completing forms #1-3, above. Email isso@bu.edu with questions — do not skip this step.
Step 3: Confirm your status
After USC processes your request (typically 2–3 business days), confirm your status in MyBU Student:
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MyBU Student Dashboard → Academics → View Unofficial Transcript → Programs
You will see an LOA entry or “Discontinue” for a permanent withdrawal. Processing can be delayed by holds (immunization, financial, advising), so clear any holds as soon as possible.
Make sure you are viewing the “Programs” option on the View Unofficial Transcript page. (If you view the Programs option under the Academics page, you will not see the necessary details.)
Medical Leaves
If your leave is for health reasons, you will need to complete medical review before you attempt to re-enroll. Follow Student Health Services’ instructions and the medical review timeline so your return isn’t delayed. For medical review questions, contact Student Health Services.