University Withdrawal Policy for Undergraduate Students
An undergraduate student who wishes to withdraw from active enrollment at Saint Xavier University (SXU) must complete the formal institutional withdrawal process outlined below. Institutional withdrawal is defined as the removal of a student from SXU enrollment for the current and future semesters. Temporary withdrawal, which allows a student to pause enrollment with the intention to return, is also outlined below. This process differs from a medical or compassionate withdrawal, which accommodates a short-term withdrawal after which a student intends to re-enroll under specific circumstances; these are governed by separate policies and procedures.
Withdrawal from the University is a significant decision that can impact a student's academic progress, financial aid, housing, and other University services. As such, students are required to have advisor approval before the Office of Records and Registration removes or pauses their enrollment. This ensures students understand the potential academic, financial, and other implications of withdrawal.
Withdrawal Process
Submitting the Withdrawal Form
A student who wishes to withdraw from SXU must complete and submit the required institutional
withdrawal form* through Self-Service on the mySXU portal. The student's withdrawal from the institution is not effective until the required
form has been submitted and processed by the Student Advising Center and Office of
Records and Registration.
*Please Note: Students would typically complete and submit a formal withdrawal form to initiate
the institutional withdrawal process. However, this form is not currently available
while the new process is being implemented. In the meantime, we kindly ask that you
email registrarFREESXU to indicate your intent to withdraw from the institution. The Office of Records and
Registration will provide further guidance on the next steps.
All institutional withdrawal requests are subject to review and approval by an advisor in the Student Advising Center. As part of the review process, an advisor may contact the student to request clarification or additional information regarding the withdrawal. Students are responsible for responding promptly to all correspondence from their advisors. A response may be required before the withdrawal request can be approved and processed.
Failure to respond to advisor correspondence may delay approval or prevent the institutional withdrawal from being completed. If the withdrawal process is not completed, the student may remain enrolled in their courses and may receive failing grades for courses in which they do not complete the required academic work.
Students who require assistance with the institutional withdrawal process may contact the Student Advising Center at studentadvisingFREESXU.
Implications of Withdrawing
An advisor may refer the student to other appropriate University offices to ensure the student receives the information and support necessary to complete the withdrawal process and transition from the University. These offices may include, but are not limited to, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Student Life, and the Transfer Center. Students are also strongly encouraged to consult with their faculty mentor as part of the withdrawal process.
Institutional withdrawal may have financial aid and billing implications. Dropping or withdrawing from a course may affect your current and future eligibility for financial aid, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), tuition charges, and/or repayment obligations. It is strongly recommended that you communicate with the Office of Financial Aid before submitting a request to drop or withdraw from a course. Withdrawing from SXU does not automatically release students from billing obligations and may impact future financial aid eligibility, including students interested in transferring out of SXU. Thus, it is important for students to review SXU's withdrawal and tuition refund schedule. Every student's financial aid and billing situation is different, so students are strongly encouraged to meet with the Office of Financial Aid and/or Student Accounts to review the financial implications, balances owed, and any balance recalculations, if applicable.
Guidence for Students Intending to Return
A temporary withdrawal allows a student to pause their academic enrollment with the intention of returning to SXU. Students seeking a temporary University withdrawal must complete the University Withdrawal Form and indicate that they intend to return to Saint Xavier University in a future semester. Temporary withdrawals are limited to no more than two consecutive semesters, including the semester of withdrawal. Students seeking a longer absence must reapply for admission.
If a student intends to take courses at another college or university during their temporary withdrawal from SXU, they are required to speak with the transfer center to discuss the eligibility of transfer credits. SXU only accepts credits from regionally accredited universities. Some programs might have specific requirements/courses they are willing to accept.
Additionally, the University's withdrawal refund schedule applies to all temporary withdrawals. Students who have been dismissed from the University are not eligible for temporary withdrawal.
At the end of temporary withdrawals, students must communicate with the Office of Records and Registration to coordinate their return and registration. It is strongly encouraged that students meet with their academic advisor to discuss course offerings and degree progress. Students who are eligible to re-enroll will return on the same academic standing as when they left.
Important Considerations
- Withdrawal may affect tuition charges, financial aid and refund eligibility. Students are responsible for reviewing their student account and contacting the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Student Accounts for clarification.
- Simply notifying an instructor or University staff, ceasing to attend classes, or leaving campus does not constitute an official withdrawal from the University.
- Students who do not complete the formal withdrawal process may receive failing grades and may continue to be billed for tuition and fees, in accordance with University policy.
- Completing the formal withdrawal process does not guarantee the removal of charges or financial responsibility. Students are responsible for reviewing the tuition refund schedule and contacting the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Student Accounts with questions regarding billing or financial aid.
- Following an institutional withdrawal, students may receive communication from Student Accounts regarding their billing status. A student's bill is not canceled when their registration is withdrawn, and a balance may still be owed.
- Students seeking a medical or compassionate withdrawal should review the respective policies, as these procedures differ from an institutional withdrawal.
- Students who wish to return to Saint Xavier University after a temporary withdrawal must reapply for admission if they are gone for two or more consecutive semesters.
- Students who reapply may be required to meet with an academic support specialist before returning if they leave on poor academic standing. It is also strongly encouraged that students meet with Financial Aid during the readmission process.
- Veterans and military-connected students are strongly encouraged to speak to the compliance advisor of student veterans and athletes.
- Athletes who wish to withdraw must consult with their coach and the compliance advisor of student veterans and athletes regarding guidelines for entry/reentry and financial aid.
- Students should check with their individual major and its policy for the withdrawal process.
- Graduate students considering withdrawal should reach out to their department.