Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Reinstatement

University Policy

School of Dental Medicine Policy

All Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (SDM) students are registered automatically due to the continuous nature of the academic programs. A student who decides not to attend must take an official leave of absence or withdraw from their program. Withdrawals are initiated when the student wishes to permanently leave the University. Leaves of absence, however, are taken when the student wishes to leave the University but intends to return in a future term. Leaves of absence will be approved for one or two terms (longer leaves may be approved in extenuating circumstances). A student on leave who wishes to return must inform the school in writing at least 60 days before the beginning of the term for which the student is returning. Students returning from leave of absence to the first year of the Doctor of Dental Medicine 4-Year or 2-Year Advanced Standing programs must make a one-time re-enrollment deposit by May 1. Upon re-enrollment to the program, the deposit is applied toward tuition charges. If the student does not return, the deposit is forfeited.

Students who wish to take a leave of absence or withdraw must fill out the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form. The form requires that students obtain signatures from the following school officials:

• Predoctoral students: the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and the Registrar
• Postdoctoral students: the Department Chair and/or Director, the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, and the Registrar
• International students on F1 or J1 Visa: International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO)
• Students with financial assistance: the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS)

Students must sign the completed form and bring it to SDM Academic Affairs. The withdrawal or leave of absence is effective on the date the completed form is approved and signed by the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs. Withdrawals and leaves of absence will be processed only for the current or a future term. Students on a leave of absence for medical reasons must be assessed by Student Health Services before they will be permitted to re-enroll. A leave of absence or withdrawal may affect health insurance coverage for students who are enrolled in the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Students who wish to remain on SHIP during a leave of absence must contact insmed@bu.edu to determine eligibility.

A leave of absence or withdrawal may affect eligibility for financial assistance. A withdrawal or leave of absence may also result in a refund of tuition, depending on the effective date of the withdrawal/leave of absence. The withdrawal schedule is based on SDM’s enrollment dates:

• Withdrawal prior to the first day of the term (new students): 100% tuition and applicable fees
• Withdrawal during the first two weeks of the term: 80% tuition, 0% fees
• Withdrawal during the third week of the term: 60% tuition, 0% fees
• Withdrawal during the fourth week of the term: 40% tuition, 0% fees
• Withdrawal during the fifth week of the term: 20% tuition, 0% fees
• Withdrawal after the fifth week of the term: 0% tuition, 0% fees

Incoming students must withdraw in writing prior to the first day of matriculation to receive a 100% refund of tuition and applicable fees (less the nonrefundable tuition deposit). Withdrawals and leaves of absence for medical reasons are not exceptions to the University’s policy governing refunds. This schedule reflects refunds of tuition only; the student is responsible for contacting the appropriate offices (Student Accounting Services and/or the Office of Student Financial Services) to determine whether or not they are eligible for a refund.

There is no provision for refund of tuition in cases of involuntary separation, including disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the University. Whether or not a refund is given, and at what percentage, is at the sole discretion of the University, and refunds may be approved only by the President, Provost, Executive Vice President, or Vice President for Enrollment.

Please Note: Mere absence from classes does not reduce a student’s financial obligation nor guarantee that a final grade will not be recorded. Once a student has filed an official Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form, the student’s account will be adjusted based on the effective date of withdrawal/leave.