Withdrawing, Canceling Enrollment, or Taking a Leave of Absence

Before you drop courses or leave, here's what you should know.

If you’re struggling to complete your coursework, please connect with your professor(s), Student Wellness, and/or Learning Accessibility Services. It is best to do this before the drop deadline (see Registrar’s Calendar).

Taking an Incomplete in one or more courses may be an option for you (see Incomplete Form). It is strongly recommended that 75% of your work in a given course be completed before you consider an Incomplete.

There are three paths for leaving Wheaton: taking a Leave of Absence, withdrawing, or canceling enrollment.

Taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) may be appropriate when

You’ve attended at least one class this semester/term but will stop attending all classes immediately, and
You’re leaving due to medical and/or mental health reasons.

The deadline for requesting an LOA is noon on Reading Day during finals week.

Withdrawing may be appropriate when

You’ve attended at least one class this semester/term but will stop attending all classes immediately, and
The deadline for dropping a class with a W has not yet passed (see Registrar’s Calendar).

Withdrawing from a semester/term is only possible if you have attended class or participated during that semester/term.

Canceling enrollment is appropriate when one of the following is true:

You plan to finish this semester but not to return next semester/term;
You finished the most recent semester but plan not to return next semester/term; or
You are not returning for the current semester and have not attended any current semester/term classes.

Canceling enrollment for a semester/term is only possible if you have not attended class and not completed any course requirements during that semester/term.

Next Steps

If you want to withdraw or cancel your enrollment, you will need to give official notice to the College by completing the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form, which is available in the Gateway within the Student Forms widget. If you have any trouble finding the form, please contact Student Wellness.

If you are interested in a Leave of Absence, please review the Leave of Absence Policy in the Student Handbook (under Student Wellness Policies and Procedures). To apply for a Leave of Absence, contact Student Wellness.

In all cases, tuition refunds are determined according to the Registrar’s Calendar based on the date a student’s Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form is submitted online or Leave of Absence request form is submitted to Student Wellness.

Housing refunds are determined based on the student’s last day in housing.

We recommend you consult with Student Financial Services before making any changes to your enrollment.

Questions? Need support? Want to discuss your options?

If you have questions about this process, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below or contact one of the following offices for help.

Student Wellness

Student Services Building, Suite 218
student.wellness@wheaton.edu
630-752-5941

Graduate Student Life

graduate.student.life@wheaton.edu
630-752-7954

Q. If I withdraw will I get a tuition or room and board refund?
A. Possible refunds are based on the day you officially notify the college of your intent to withdraw (by submitting the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form or Leave of Absence request form), which constitutes your Official Withdrawal Date (OWD). Tuition refunds are based on the OWD, and the Registrar's Calendar gives further information. Room and board refunds are determined by Housing Services for those students living on campus.

Q. Do I need to drop my classes or cancel my housing?
A. No, once you submit the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form or LOA Request form, all pertinent campus offices including the Registrar and Housing (if applicable) will be notified of your intent to withdraw or cancel your enrollment.

Q. If I am withdrawing mid-term, is there anything else I need to take care of before leaving campus?
A. Yes, here is a list of things to complete or consider before withdrawing mid-term.

All undergraduate students who withdraw or take a Leave of Absence must meet with the Dean of Student Wellness as part of the exit process.
Return all College-owned items (library books, athletic equipment, lab materials, conservatory, or ROTC items, etc.).
Set up a time with your RA or GRA to check out of your room and turn in your student ID card.
Leave a forwarding address with the College Post Office (cpo@wheaton.edu).
F-1 visa students must meet with their Designated School Official in the International Student Programs office to update their visa status and discuss the implications of withdrawing from Wheaton.

Q. Can I keep any of my federal financial aid?
A. If you are withdrawing from the College, please reference the Federal Title IV Funds - Withdrawal Policy for information.

Q. Will taking time off affect my financial aid/scholarships or loan repayment schedule?
A. You will want to reach out to Student Financial Services (sfs@wheaton.edu) to review the implications of taking time off on your financial aid or student loans.

Q. What do I do when I want to return to Wheaton?
A. After withdrawing or canceling enrollment, in order to Wheaton at a later date, you will need to email the Admissions office (admissions@wheaton.edu) for information on how to reapply. A good deadline to reapply for spring semester is October 1, and for fall semester, March 1. After taking a Leave of Absence, you will need to reply for reinstatement through the Student Wellness office.

Q. What if I am NOT a degree-seeking student?
A. Non-degree seeking students will follow the same process by completing the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form.

Q. I'm still not sure if I should withdraw, cancel enrollment, or take a Leave of Absence. Which option is best for me?
A. To help you think through your decision, download this decision tree (PDF). Note that taking a Leave of Absence through Student Wellness is not an option for doctoral students, who should refer to their program handbooks for information about program leave.

Q. If I withdraw, will I get a tuition or room and board refund?
A. Possible refunds are based on the day you officially notify the college of your intent to withdraw (by submitting the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form) or take a Leave of Absence (by submitting the Leave of Absence request form to Student Wellness), which constitutes your Official Withdrawal Date (OWD). Tuition refunds are based on the OWD, and the Registrar's Calendar gives further information. Room and board refunds are determined by Housing Services for those students living on campus.

Q. Do I need to drop my classes or cancel my housing (if applicable)?
A. No, once you submit the Withdraw or Cancel Enrollment form all pertinent campus offices including the Registrar and Housing (if applicable) will be notified of your intent to withdraw or cancel your enrollment.