Leaving and Returning to Studies | Queen's University Faculty of Arts and Science

Withdrawing from studies

Sometimes things come up – extenuating circumstances, a once in a lifetime opportunity, family obligations and other life events that might impact your plans for completing your degree and graduating. In these situations, it might be necessary to take a break from your studies. What does that look like?

Students can take a break from their studies at any point in their degree program. There is no deadline for graduation and no time limit on how long they can be away. However, students concurrently enrolled in other programs (Concurrent Education, Dual Degree, etc.) should also check in with their other faculties to confirm those rules and regulations.

Below you will find some important information to take into consideration before withdrawing from your studies (either temporarily or permanently). Review it carefully and if you have any questions call Student Services at 613-533-2470 for assistance. You may also wish to connect with an academic advisor for some guidance.

When to withdraw

It’s best to make these decisions before drop deadlines or before registering in classes, if possible. If students are actively enrolled in classes and need to withdraw past the drop deadline due to extenuating circumstances, they should consult with an academic advisor about submitting a petition to drop those courses late. Any registered courses not dropped by the drop deadline or not successfully petitioned will remain on the transcript with the grade earned (abandoned courses will receive a final grade of F.)

Implications

Taking a leave from studies could impact important things like OSAP, scholarships/bursaries, financial loans and education plans, residence, visas and study permits, eligibility to play varsity sports, concurrent education graduation deadlines, etc. It’s a good idea to check with those services to understand what impact withdrawing could have on your eligibility. If students are concerned about future academic opportunities like applying to medical school, law school, grad school, etc. it’s a good idea to check with those schools to understand how a break from studies might affect admission eligibility.

Students at other institutions

If you plan to take courses of any kind from another institution while away, we strongly suggest that you consult with an academic advisor first to understand what potential impact this may have on your admission status.

Withdrawal checklist

Here is a checklist of everything you should do to withdraw from studies.

Leaving Queen's (short term or permanent)

If you don’t plan on returning to Queen’s, you should follow this same process.

Returning to Studies from a Leave

If you took a leave from your studies and now plan to return you will be asked to confirm whether you completed any courses from any other institution during your time away. Why? We need to know if you have formed a new basis of admission or not. If you have formed a new basis of admission, you will be required to reapply for admission to Queen’s so before you take any courses elsewhere it’s always a good idea to check in with the Student Services Office first to understand the possible implications.

Below you will find some important information to take into consideration in preparation for returning to your studies. Review it carefully and if you have any questions call Student Services at 613-533-2470 for assistance. You may also wish to connect with an academic advisor for some guidance.

Submit Your Application

Returning to the same degree program

When you submit your Return to Studies application, we will contact the Department you wish to return to, to seek permission on your behalf. If you have been away for five years or longer keep in mind that you will be required to follow the current regulations and degree program and plan requirements (no grand-parenting of old rules.)

When to apply

We recommend you submit your application to return to studies by Feb 1st if you plan to return the following fall or at least one term prior to when you plan to return to classes to allow enough time to access courses and secure space for registration.

Returning after a requirement to withdraw

If you were required to withdraw from studies for one year and you are now eligible to return please review this pdf of information concerning your current academic standing.

As part of your return to studies, we recommend that you connect with an academic advisor to review some strategies for raising your GPA.

Next Steps

You should submit your application to return to your studies. Once your application has been processed, we will reactivate your student account and send you a confirmation email.

Return checklist

Here is a checklist of everything you should do to return to studies.