Complete Withdrawal from the University

Complete Withdrawal from the University

Effective: June 24, 2011

Last Updated: June 24, 2011; revised an approved by Teaching & Learning committee 4-8-15; revised by Enrollment Management fall 2022; TLC approval 2-22-2023 and EVCAA approval 6-30-2023.

Policy Owner: Academic Affairs

Policy Contacts:  Donna Dahlvang, Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
Tracey Bolen, Office of the Registrar

By registering for classes, students enter into a contract to pay for all tuition and fees. Students are responsible for all transactions on their academic records.

To withdraw from all academic coursework at the University, a student must officially cancel all courses through the last day of the tenth week of the semester. After that date, students who believe they have extenuating circumstances may submit an academic petition to withdraw from the University. Information for students wishing to withdraw may be found on the One Stop website.

If a student is unable to officially cancel their courses themselves, they may notify (orally or in writing) a designated UMD official (OneStop Student Services, Advising and Academic Services Office or Dean’s Office in each college, Graduate School Office, Medical School Student Affairs Office, Pharmacy Student Services Office, Women’s Resource and Action Center) of their intent to withdraw.  Documentation must be collected and retained (email, documented conversation, date stamped letter, etc.). The date of withdrawal is the date notification was provided: either the course cancellation date or documented intent to withdraw date. If both dates are triggered, the earlier date will be used.

A student who contacts any office only to request information on the withdrawal process would not be a student indicating intent to withdraw. 

When appropriate, the student’s last confirmed date of documented attendance at an academically-related activity may be used as the withdrawal date.

Tuition Refund for Withdrawal

Refunds for withdrawal from the university are the same as for individual course withdrawals:  100 percent tuition and fee refund on or before the end of the first week of the semester; 75 percent on or before the end of the second week; 50 percent on or before the end of third week; 25 percent on or before the end of the fourth week. No refunds are given after the fourth week. Courses that are shorter in length than the full semester have an abbreviated refund schedule. Withdrawing from courses can have financial and academic implications, possibly affecting billing, financial aid, and VA benefits, etc. The withdrawal could result in debt to the University, government or both.

After the fourth week, refunds beyond the published schedule will be granted by appeal only.  A Tuition Refund Appeal with relevant documentation should be submitted to One Stop Student Services.

Special Circumstances:

Students Called to Military Duty

Students who are called to active military duty may withdraw from UMD. The University works with students to remove them from classes and resolve tuition and other financial issues. Students must submit a copy of their military orders and will be asked to complete a retroactive tuition petition. As a general rule, the petition is approved for a 100 percent refund unless there are negative financial aid implications for the student. Students are advised about what would be the most beneficial for their situation.

Medical Withdrawal and Return

Appeal for medical withdrawal must include documentation from a licensed medical or mental health professional indicating:

  • Date of onset of illness
  • Date at which initial treatment was sought
  • Diagnosis
  • Dates of treatment service
  • Severity of illness

Students who petition for medical withdrawal may be asked to present proof of treatment before subsequent registration.