Withdrawing and Returning

Step 1: Consult your academic advisor to discuss your plans to take a leave and learn how your academic path may be impacted.

 Step 2: Navigate to LORIS:

• Drop your coursework by the last day to avoid "XF" on your transcript. You may be eligible for a tuition refund depending on the timing. Note, non-attendance does not count as official withdrawal. 
• Confirm your mailing address to ensure accuracy. 
• Confirm your account balance. If you have an outstanding balance, pay it in full to avoid late fees, account holds, or your overdue balance sent to Laurier Collections. If you see a negative balance (credit), you can request a refund directly. Complete the Tuition/Late Registration Fee Appeal (if applicable). 

Step 3: Using your Laurier email, contact:

• Access Control Office (campusaccesscontrol@wlu.ca) with your full name and student ID. 

•  OneCard office. If you have remaining funds, notify them of your full name and student ID. 

Step 4: Return any Library materials. Ensure any outstanding fees are resolved.  

Step 5: If you live in Residence, contact Department of Residence. Follow the procedures for withdrawing from residence. 

Step 6: If you’re an OSAP recipient, notify Financial Aid by completing the OSAP Course Load Update Form to update your application. Understand the implications of changing your course load.  

Step 7: Complete the appropriate form based on your program and plans. Note, if you’re an Undergraduate student who would like to temporarily withdraw from BBA, BTM and Faculty of Education, you must complete a faculty form. All other undergraduate students do not need to complete a form for temporarily withdraw. For permanent withdrawals, complete the Withdrawal Form below. 

Temporary Withdrawal: 

• BBA: Leave of Absence Form: Bachelor of Business Administration 

• BTM: Leave of Absence Form: Business Technology Management 

• Students studying on a visa: Authorized Leave of Absence for International Students 

• Faculty of Education, BEd leave of absence process 

• Other undergraduate students are approved for a leave and do not need to complete a form. 

Permanent Withdrawal: 

• For permanent withdrawals only, complete the Withdrawal Form based on your campus and program. 

• Faculty of Education, BEd withdrawal process. 

You’re all set! 

Understand Academic Penalties: Withdrawals after the deadline will result in uncompleted courses recorded as failures, affecting your GPA. If extenuating circumstances prevented timely withdrawal, submit a petition to the Graduate Student Appeals Committee.

If you are plan on leaving Laurier, here are the proper steps to take as an graduate student to withdraw:

Step 1: Consult your supervisor or graduate program coordinator. 

• Discuss your plans and explore options like approved leaves or temporary withdrawals. 

Step 2: Connect with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS). 

• Ensure you are informed about all available options before deciding to withdraw. 

Step 3: Drop courses on LORIS.

• The effective date for course drops or withdrawal is when it is reported in writing to FGPS.
• Non-payment of fees or non-attendance does not count as an official withdrawal. 
• Be aware of fees and funding implications based on the effective date.
• Refunds are determined by the effective date on a term basis and are not available for audit-course classifications.

Step 4: Check Your Student Account: Log in to LORIS to confirm whether you have an outstanding balance or a credit on your account. If you have an outstanding balance, pay it in full using Laurier-approved payment options to avoid late fees, account holds, or having your overdue balance sent to Laurier Collections. If you see a negative balance (credit), you can request a refund directly through LORIS.

Step 5: Repay scholarship funds, if applicable. 

• Students who withdraw or change to part time before the end of term must repay the scholarship funds on a prorated basis. 

• Complete an OSAP Course Load Update Form to update your application. 

• Complete the Request to Withdraw from Graduate Studies form. 
• Submit it to FGPS by email or the secure submission site. 

Re-Registration  

If you voluntarily left Laurier in good academic standing and have either had a lapse in registration of 18 months or attended another postsecondary institution, complete the Request for Re-registration Form.  

Readmission 

If you wish to return to Laurier after being required to withdraw, complete the necessary academic upgrading through, Strategies for Academic Success (SAS) or Academic Upgrading at Another Postsecondary Institution.  

Pathway 1: Strategies for Academic Success (SAS)  

Strategies for Academic Success (SAS) supports a smooth transition back to your studies, by offering a two-semester pathway to complete your required academic upgrading. Upon acceptance, you will be granted conditional readmission on advising support probation with limited registration. Upon successful completion, you may resume full-time or part-time studies while on readmission probation. Failures are not permitted during the probation period. 

Readmission Pathway 2: Academic Upgrading at Another Postsecondary Institution  

You may obtain academic upgrading at another post secondary institution, by completing either: 

• Two pre-approved academic college courses with a minimum of grade A- (80%) or 

• Two pre-approved university courses with a minimum grade of B- (70%) or better.  

Step 1: Obtain Pre-Approval.  

Complete the Academic Upgrading: Request for Pre-Approval form.  

Step 2: Order an Official Transcript.  

Arrange for an official transcript to be sent to Enrolment Services at least 30 days prior to the term start.  

• Address: Wilfrid Laurier University, Enrolment Services: Records, 75 University Ave. W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5 

• Email: records@wlu.ca  

Step 3: Reapply for Readmission.

Complete the Request for Readmission form. at least 30 days prior to the term start.  Include, a one-page statement letter outlining reasons for previous academic performance, preparedness for success and activities or work experiences since last attendance.  

Sequential 

If you have already completed a degree and wish to return to pursue another, complete the Sequential Degree Request form.

If you have withdrawn from your graduate program and are considering readmission, please follow these steps. 

Requesting Readmission Within One Year

If you withdrew and were in good standing, you may request readmission within one year without completing application forms or paying application fees. 

Requesting Readmission After One Year

If more than one year has elapsed since the withdrawal date, a new application for admission is required. 

Failure to Register or Obtain Approved Leave

Students who fail to register or be granted an approved leave will be deemed to have terminated their candidacy and must reapply. 

Application Requirements for Readmission

1. Application fee. 
   • Pay any applicable application fees. 
2. Proposed schedule. 
   • Include a letter indicating a proposed schedule for completing all degree requirements. 
3. Interview. 
   • Agree to be interviewed by representatives of the graduate program. 

Terms of Readmission

• Course work: There is no guarantee of readmission. Students may be required to complete additional course work as a condition of readmission. 
• Funding eligibility: You should consult with your program about graduate student funding eligibility, where applicable.