Time Away
Each year, a number of ETSU students interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons. Some withdraw to take care of a medical or mental health concern, to pursue a professional opportunity, to attend to family needs, to reconsider academic goals, or to meet military requirements. This website is designed to help students navigate the withdrawal process, thrive during their time away, and plan for a successful re-entry into the ETSU community.
Considering a Leave
Before you consider withdrawing from ETSU, review this important information. We know that making the decision to step away from college is a difficult one. We support your decision on what you need to do.
Taking a Leave
If you have determined that withdrawal is your best next step, complete this term withdrawal request online form to begin the process. Our Registrar's office will review the submitted form and confirm your withdrawal.
You can request a refund if documentable extenuating circumstances are playing a role in your withdrawal. The full refund policy is available here.
On Leave
It's important to give some thought to how you'll spend your time away. Regardless of the reason for your leave, you can make this time worthwhile. Some students need to focus on their well-being or the well-being of their family before making a plan to return to ETSU. Other students focus on improving their academic game plan or saving money so that they can return on strong financial footing.
Planning to Return
Whether you have been away for as little as a semester or more than a year, the transition back to the ETSU community is important. The process is straightforward: if you have been out for more than one term, you will need to complete a quick and free update to your admission status. You will also want to check your ETSU account to make sure your account status is clear and address any holds you may have. Lastly, thinking about connecting with an academic advisor; financial aid advisor; and other faculty or staff from your academic program to let them know you are returning.
Welcome Back
We are excited to welcome you back to campus! Once a Buc, always a Buc!
Our staff will work with you to answer your questions and to make your return to the campus community as comfortable as possible.
Connect with my financial aid counselor
Check on campus housing availability
FAQs
Is a leave of absence the same as a withdrawal?
Yes, we generally consider that phrase and term as having the same meaning.
Does someone need to approve my leave or withdrawal?
No. If you are withdrawing from ALL of your classes, as long as you do so by the last day to withdraw from the term as listed in the academic calendar, you do not need approval.
*Alternately, if you wish to drop SOME but not ALL of your classes, you would need to do so in accordance with the last day to drop classes without dean's approval as listed on the academic calendar. Dropping SOME but not all of your courses is not a "leave or absence" or "withdrawal" as you remain an enrolled student.
I need a medical leave of absence. How is that different?
While there is no "medical leave of absence" per se, we approach your request for a medical leave of absence by encouraging you to consider two processes. The first step is to withdraw from your courses after you have reviewed information regarding withdrawals. If you indicate that your leave or withdrawal is for medical reasons, we encourage you to consider the refund process since you may have documentable extenuating circumstances that necessitate your leave.
Should I request a refund?
You are only eligible for a refund after you have withdrawn from courses. To request a refund, you would need to have paid tuition or fees "out of pocket." That could be by any payment form, including by way of loans. You are not eligible for a refund if scholarships covered your costs.
For more info on how the refund process works, review the information listed here. You will need to submit supporting documentation with your request for the committee to be able to fully review your circumstances and consider your refund. The committee meets once per month to finalize decisions. Requests are accepted on an ongoing basis. Refunds can only be requested for tuition and fees paid within 18 months prior to the date the refund request is submitted.