Leave of Absence and Withdrawal

Use the process outlined below if you are an undergraduate degree candidate (not in Metropolitan College) planning a leave of absence or permanent withdrawal. Graduate, nondegree, or Metropolitan College students should contact their academic program for guidance on taking a leave or withdrawing.

All the information below is for Spring 2026 leave of absence/withdrawal requests. Students who are unable to complete their Fall 2025 courses in progress must work with their academic area on options, now that the Fall 2025 leave deadline has passed.

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, and 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.

  • Leave of absence (LOA): a temporary pause in your degree program; you plan to return.

  • 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:

  1. Student Experience Questionnaire

  2. Official Leave/Withdrawal Request Form

  3. Appointment status notification (I am waiving or I am scheduling)

  4. 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:

  • 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.

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.