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University Withdraw

If you wish to withdraw from all your courses in which you are enrolled, this process is known as a University Withdraw. You can withdraw from the University before the end of the 12th week during the regular semester. Students may withdraw from the university for any reason, including financial or physical hardship per University Policy 2.1.14.

Students who withdraw from the semester before the end of the tenth day of the term will not have withdrawal (WX) grades on their transcript and will need to re-apply to the University if they plan to attend for a future term. 
Students who withdraw from the semester after the end of the tenth day of the term will receive withdrawal (WX) grades on their transcript and will be able to return for the next semester. 

View the Withdrawal Checklist

How to Withdraw from Illinois State

Online

The most common way to withdraw from the university is to submit your request online. To withdraw from the university, access the University Withdrawal Request Form and follow the steps listed on the form. If you are unable to submit the University Withdrawal Request Form, please email Registrar@IllinoisState.edu for assistance.

In Person

Visit the Registrar's Office in 107 Moulton Hall with a photo ID.

If circumstances make it impossible for you to follow the usual withdrawal procedures, or you need to withdraw after the deadline, please submit the Request for Change form and a statement that explains your situation with appropriate documentation. Instructions for the Request for Change form.

Transcript Notations

If your withdraw request is granted, grades will be assigned as they are for regular course drop or withdraw.

If you withdraw from the University during the add/drop period, courses will not appear on your transcript.

If you withdraw from the University after the add/drop period, your transcript will include withdraw grades (WX) for all courses.

If you do not officially withdraw from the University, you will receive a failing grade in each class.

In unusual cases, exceptions may be granted by the University Registrar.

Tuition Adjustments

For questions about tuition adjustments, contact Student Accounts at (309) 438-5643

University Tuition Adjustment Calendar

Leave of Absence

If health or other unique reasons make it difficult for you to successfully continue attending Illinois State University you may request a leave of absence for up to six (6) consecutive terms (Fall, Spring, Summer).  Please review the Leave of Absence Policy to ensure you understand the difference between University withdraw and Leave of Absence to determine which option is best for you and your situation.   

Leave of Absence request form:

  • Prior to submission of the form, be prepared to submit a personal statement which should include the desired outcome of the request, a rationale for the number of terms requested (no longer than six terms/semesters (fall, spring, and summer count as separate terms/semesters), and a plan including any measures you will take once you return to be successful. 
  • International students, contact International Student and Scholar Services at InternationalEngagement@IllinoisState.edu prior to submitting a Leave of Absence request as there may be impacts to your VISA status. 
  • A meeting with the Dean of Students may be required prior to the review of your request.  They may contact you after submission of your form. 
  • Submit your Leave of Absence form 

Return from Leave of Absence request form: 

  • Students wishing to return from Leave of Absence are required to meet with the Dean of Students or designee at least 30 days before returning to campus.  They will contact you after submission of your form.
  • Prior to submission of the form, be prepared to answer the following questions and provide documentation if applicable.
    • While on leave, were you convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or placed on court supervision for any criminal offense? (This does not include routine traffic offenses, juvenile proceedings, or officially expunged records.) If yes, you may be contacted for additional information.  
    • While on leave, did you take any classes at another school? If yes, you will need to identify the name of the school and your academic standing.
  • Submit your Return from Leave of Absence form

Direct questions related to a leave of absence to the Dean of Students Office (309) 438-2008; DeanOfStudents@IllinoisState.edu or Registrar Service Center (309) 438-2188; Registrar@ilstu.edu