Voluntary Withdrawal

If a student in good academic standing wishes to take time away from MIT for non-medical reasons, a Voluntary Withdrawal may be appropriate. A Voluntary Withdrawal is typically sought because a student wants to participate in an educational or personal growth experience (e.g., internship, religious mission) or due to personal/family circumstances. Under the terms of a Voluntary Withdrawal, a student takes at least one full semester away from MIT and cannot register again until s/he has been readmitted.

Voluntary Withdrawals are arranged with the assistance of one of our deans. Voluntary Withdrawals may be arranged in advance for the following semester or for the current semester. A Required Withdrawal voted by the Committee on Academic Performance will supersede a student's request for a Voluntary Withdrawal for a subsequent term. Withdrawing from a term in progress has the effect of canceling registration and grades in all subjects for that term. Tuition will be pro-rated from the date of withdrawal.

Simply dropping all subjects is not an appropriate withdrawal procedure. Students who are eligible to register but fail to do so by Add Date are considered withdrawn from the Institute and must apply for readmission through S³. However, this is also not an appropriate withdrawal procedure. Withdrawals should be formally processed with our deans. Please contact us to set up an appointment to discuss your leave. If necessary, phone appointments may be available.

Please see the MIT Undergraduate Withdrawal and Readmission Guide for more information.

Important Information Regarding Voluntary Withdrawals

• If you have received student loans, you are required to contact Loan Services for an Exit Interview before leaving MIT (11-120; 617-253-3343). Failure to receive an Exit Interview will result in a hold being placed on any future registration.
• If you receive financial aid, you should be in touch with the Student Financial Aid (11-120; 617-258-8600).
• Students are not eligible for MIT Student Health Insurance while on Voluntary Withdrawal. Be sure to make other arrangements for insurance coverage. You may contact the MIT Health Plans Office (E23-308, 617-253-4371) for more information.
• International students should be in touch with the International Students Office (5-133, 617-253-3795) regarding their visa status.
• Students who withdraw from MIT are automatically ineligible for Institute approved housing. Students are expected to move out of MIT dorms/FSILGs in a timely fashion. Contact Undergraduate Housing (W59-200; 617-253-2811) and your house manager to make arrangements for your departure. There are other resources available to assist with departure if necessary.
• A dean will work with you to outline expectations regarding your time away from MIT. You should have a full understanding of these expectations at the time of your withdrawal. If circumstances change during Withdrawal, it is not unusual for expectations to be added or modified by the deans. Decisions about withdrawal expectations or changes to withdrawal expectations are made together with the student, but the final decision rests with our deans.
• There are requirements and deadlines for students requesting readmission to MIT.
• Withdrawing has the effect of suspending student status and terminating access to Institute services and privileges.

Deadlines

Many Voluntary Withdrawals are discussed in advance of the planned semester away. Students must withdraw by Add Date to be eligible to apply for readmission for the following semester. However, students may request a Voluntary Withdrawal through the last day of classes for the semester in which they would like to take a withdrawal.

Any request made after the last day of classes will be processed for the next semester and will only be granted after review by the CAP at end-of-term meetings. A Required Withdrawal voted by the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP) will supersede a student's request for a Voluntary Withdrawal.