WITHDRAWAL

There may be certain circumstances in which you may feel unable to continue your studies and wish to consider withdrawing from University either on a temporary or permanent basis. 

Each case for withdrawal is considered carefully by the academic department concerned and by the faculty.  The circumstances in which a student may consider temporary withdrawal include ill health, serious family problems including ill health, pregnancy and maternity leave, financial difficulties, taking up a post of employment or extra employment responsibilities. 

If you are considering withdrawal as an option, it is strongly advised that you discuss the matter with your supervisor, Course Director or Head of Department.  The Assistant Director of Student Support Services, Caryl Davies, is also available to provide help and support. These advisors will be able to give guidance, support and discuss the options available to you.  Keeping the department informed of your situation will help them in considering your application to temporarily withdraw.

If after careful consideration and discussion you decide that withdrawal is appropriate, then you must complete a withdrawal form.  This form can be obtained from Caryl Davies in Student Support Services (e-mail: ccd@aber.ac.uk or telephone 01970 621760 ). The completion of a withdrawal form is essential in order to formalise your withdrawal and ensure that there is no confusion about such matters as payment of fees or time-limits for the submission of theses.  You should complete the form as fully as possible, clearly indicating whether you intend to withdraw permanently or temporarily.  It would also be helpful if you could indicate when you hope to return to University if you are withdrawing temporarily.  Once you have completed your section, you should return the form to the Academic Office who will forward it to the appropriate academic department for approval and signature.  Temporary withdrawal also requires the approval of the Dean.  It is only once your withdrawal is approved by your department, and if appropriate, the Dean of Faculty and returned to the Academic Office, that you may be recorded as being withdrawn.

You should note that once you have withdrawn from University, you effectively suspend (either permanently or temporarily as appropriate) any rights and privileges as a student of this University.

Where you have a financial sponsor, the University must inform your sponsor of your withdrawal.

Please note that students who are in their 'writing up' period (i.e. the period between the end of their registration and their submission deadline) cannot withdraw.  If you require additional time to complete your thesis or dissertation, you must apply for an extension to your time limit, but please note that extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances.