Graduate Withdrawal and Leave of Absence from the University

Withdrawal: a graduate student would withdraw from the University of Tampa when they have no intention of returning to the University of Tampa.

Leave of Absence: a graduate student will take a leave of absence if they intend to return to the University of Tampa. The student would still be considered an active student and receive communications from the University of Tampa, including registration information for future terms.

There are three “semesters” in the academic year for graduate programs. A “semester” is defined as courses taught in the Fall, Spring and Summer.

Any graduate student who desires to leave the University prior to the end of a current semester or after a semester has ended and has no intention of returning to the University must follow the prescribed withdrawal procedures. Failure to withdraw officially or withdrawing after published withdrawal deadlines will result in a failing grade in each course in which the student is registered.

To initiate a withdrawal, graduate students should fill out the University of Tampa Withdrawal Form and indicate that they have no intention of returning to the University (available in SpartanNet under the Academics/Forms and Information tab).

Any graduate student who desires to leave the University prior to the end of the current semester or after a semester has ended and intends to return to the University within the next two semesters must follow the prescribed Leave of Absence procedure. If the graduate student is not enrolled for longer than one academic year, they must follow the procedures for re-admittance to the University. Please refer to the Former Graduate Student Returning Policy.

To initiate a leave of absence, graduate students should fill out the University of Tampa Withdrawal Form and indicate that they are intending to return to the University (available in SpartanNet under the Academics/Forms and Information tab).

Withdrawing or taking a Leave of Absence can have billing and Financial Aid implications. Please refer to Changes in Enrollment policy in the UT Catalog and call the Bursar (813-253-6202) and Financial Aid Office (813-253-6219) for more information.

International students must submit the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Leave of Absence/Withdrawal request through their International Student and Scholar Service (ISSS) portal to the International Programs Office before they withdraw from classes to ensure immigration compliance. Completed forms should be forwarded to the Registrar's Office or email registrar@ut.edu.

For questions about the withdrawal or leave of absence process, graduate students may contact their academic advisor.

A graduate student petition for a late withdrawal ("W" with no academic penalty) from an entire course schedule must follow the Graduate Academic Appeal Process in the catalog.

If health justification was used to support the need for a late withdrawal, the Spartan Support office will place a hold on the student’s account that will prevent the graduate student from being re-enrolled without properly petitioning to return as outlined in the Health Clearance Process www.ut.edu/deanofstudents/policies/. If the graduate student is already registered for a future semester, the student’s courses may be administratively dropped.

Health Clearance Process to Return to UT
Contact the Spartan Support Office at ssp@ut.edu or (813) 257-3901 if prior to the term in which the graduate student would like to return.

Submit the Health Clearance Form within three weeks of contacting the Spartan Support Office indicating the intention to return.

Graduate students must submit the Health Clearance Form at least 3 weeks prior to the first day of re-enrollment to your program of study (consult your program director or designated personnel to confirm date of return).

The form should be completed by a licensed professional appropriate for the health issue(s) which necessitated the withdrawal. The University will return insufficient documentation for additional information/clarification, if needed.

Submit a Release of Information form in order to share pertinent health information relevant to the desired clearance form from your doctor or medical professional and the Dickey Wellness Center staff. This release of information may be obtained from the treating professional or from the Dickey Wellness Center by calling (813) 253-6250.

Confirm with the Spartan Support Office that both the Health Clearance Form and the Release of Information form have been received. You may also ask any additional questions at this time. The University retains the right to grant final clearance.

Documents to Submit:
• Release of Information: Please complete a Consent to Release Information form, provided by all treating clinician(s).
• Clinical Documentation: Each treatment provider will complete, sign and submit a Health Clearance Form. This form can be found at
www.ut.edu/uploadedFiles/Student_Services/Health_and_Wellness_Center/Medical-Clearance-Form.pdf.

The form can also be provided via email request to ssp@ut.edu