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Division of Student Affairs
Taking Time Away from the College

There are a variety of reasons that a student may leave ESF, either for a short time or permanently. Students who are exploring this option or have decided to withdraw must first meet with a staff member from the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs to learn more about the process.

NOTE: Not registering for classes will not officially withdraw a student from the College.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Students who may need to take a temporary pause in their education or are leaving the College indefinitely must contact the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs to schedule an appointment to obtain the information related to leaving the College and complete required paperwork.

  • Voluntary Withdrawal can be temporary or permanent.
  • There are different implications to consider if you are leaving in the midst of vs. at the end of a semester (including academic, financial, and/or readmission eligibility).
  • A student may withdraw from the College at any time, with either "W" or “WF” grades being recorded for all registered courses depending upon the time of the semester. If a withdrawal is made during the final examination period, earned grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript.
  • Refer to the Bursar’s Office and Financial Aid for information related to any financial implications resulting from a voluntary withdrawal.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students who fail to register for classes by the last day to add classes each semester and do not inform the Registrar's Office of their plans will be administratively withdrawn. Students whose academic or personal conduct on/off campus is determined unsatisfactory or detrimental to the best interest of the College may be administratively withdrawn. We strongly encourage that students initiate the Voluntary Withdrawal process to avoid any unforeseen financial implications when separating from the College.

Academic Suspension from the College

A student may be academically suspended from the College for two successive semesters without achieving a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. Students who have been suspended for unsatisfactory academic performance may not enroll in any courses at ESF or Syracuse University until at least one semester has elapsed.

  • If suspension occurs following a spring semester, suspended students may not enroll in a summer program at ESF or SU.
  • Students who wish to be reinstated must apply for readmission through the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs.
  • Students suspended for a second time for unsatisfactory academic performance without successful appeal will be dismissed from the College permanently.

Disciplinary Suspension from the College

A student suspended from the College for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct may not participate in classes or other College activities during the identified period of suspension. Students will receive "W" or “WF” grades for all registered courses depending upon the time of the semester when suspension takes effect. Suspension extending beyond the semester in which action is taken shall consist of full semesters and/or summer sessions. Conditions for readmission may be specified in the disciplinary outcome letter.

Returning to ESF

Any formerly matriculated student who wishes to re-enroll must complete an application for readmission. Undergraduate applications can be obtained and submitted to the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs at least45 days before the start of each semester. Graduate applications can be completed and submitted online through the Graduate Student Applicant Portal. Typically, students must wait a full semester after withdrawal from the college before applying for readmission.

Readmission is not guaranteed, however it is generally a pro-forma decision for students who leave in good academic standing (with a cumulative GPA above a 2.00), and for fewer than 2 years. A student’s academic, disciplinary, and financial record will be reviewed as a part of the readmission process. Outstanding disciplinary action or sanctions prior to a student’s departure must be completed for readmission consideration.  Students who departed for health-related reasons will be asked to submit documentation regarding satisfactory progress to return from their care provider(s). Note: Students with additional outstanding disciplinary action must reconcile these charges/sanctions prior to readmission.

Returning from Academic Suspension

Students returning from an academic suspension will be placed on Academic Probation for the initial semester with additional conditions to be met during that first semester. These conditions may include:

  • The establishment of minimum cumulative GPA requirements for the first semester
  • A limit of credits to register for the first semester
  • A meeting with the Associate Provost of Instruction within first week of the semester
  • A meeting with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (Student Support) within the first week of the semester
  • Meetings throughout the semester with the Coordinator for Academic Success and Community Service. The initial meeting should be set up by the first week of the semester.
  • Participation in S.E.E.D.S. (Student Educational Enhancement and Development Seminar)

Returning from Disciplinary Suspension

Students returning from disciplinary suspension with required sanctions must complete the terms of these sanctions prior to the submission of a readmission application. Documentation of completed sanctions will be required. Questions about appropriate documentation should be directed to the Coordinator of Student Conduct.