The decision to withdraw from your program is a significant one. It has implications and consequences for your academic record, personal life and future career. You have worked hard to achieve your place at University and now have a path to the future you could not otherwise obtain. Even though your studies may not be progressing as you would like, giving up a place at University may have serious consequences for your future.
The steps below will guide you through the decision making process and suggest some available options. If you would like help with your own decision making process, feel free to make an appointment with a Counsellor. If you are thinking about withdrawing from your program, take some time to work through the following aspects to ensure your decision is the best you can make at this time.
As you will be making a decision that will affect your life, take time to consider why you have reached the point of wanting to withdraw. Identifying the cause of your discomfort will help you find appropriate new ways to move forward.
Some common reasons are:
Withdrawing from your program is only one of a number of options that may be available to you. Another option may help you achieve your goal more effectively. By knowing all your options you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
You may need to talk with others to find out your available options. It is also valuable to discuss these options with a range of people. Listening to many different perspectives about your situation will help you make the best decision.
Consider talking to:
Once you have found all your options and gathered information and opinions from relevant people, make sure you also think about the consequences of the options you are considering. Different options will lead to different outcomes and considering the consequences may help you see the preferred options more clearly.
When you make your decision, it may also have consequences for you in terms of your finances and Grade Point Average. Please note the University's important dates and academic calendar when making your decision.
Thinking about your options and consequences can often help to make a decision clearer. If, however, you are still unsure, make an appointment with a Counsellor to further discuss what is possible.
The next step is to act on your decision. Make sure you are aware of the steps that need to be taken to carry through with your decision, including any administrative forms you need to submit. Check with the Program Support staff in your school and Campus Central before acting on your decision.