University Withdrawal

If you’re thinking about permanently leaving the University of Lynchburg, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. This page walks you through what withdrawing means, what to expect, and who can help you make the choice that’s right for you.

Some students leave due to financial constraints, health issues, family responsibilities, burnout, or a shift in goals. Whatever your situation, we’re here to support you.

Before You Decide

You don’t have to navigate this on your own. Talking with someone who understands the process can help you explore your options, including solutions that might let you stay enrolled. We recommend reaching out to:

Solutions Center: your starting point for any withdrawal questions

Academic Advising: to review your academic path, alternatives, and timing

Financial Aid: to understand impacts on aid, scholarships, refunds, and loan repayment

Case Management: for support around personal or medical challenges

Residence Life: if you live on campus and want to understand next steps

International Student Support: for visa and SEVIS guidance (required for F-1 students)

Graduate Programs: Contact your program director.

What “University Withdrawal” Means

A university withdrawal means you intend to leave Lynchburg permanently and will not return to complete your degree. This is different from:

Leave of Absence — taking a temporary break with plans to return.
Medical Leave of Absence — taking time away for health reasons.
Cancellation — leaving after finishing the current semester.

Where to Start

Graduate students start the process by contacting their program director.

Contact the Solutions Center

Step 1: Solutions Center

Your first step is to contact the Solutions Center. They help you understand the process, schedule an exit interview, and make sure you’re connected to the right campus offices. They are your primary point of contact throughout the withdrawal process.

Step 2: Exit Interview Counseling

You’ll meet with the Solutions Center or Academic Advising to talk through:

Why are you considering leaving
Any challenges you’re facing
Whether alternatives (like switching majors or reducing credits) could help
How the withdrawal will affect academics, finances, housing, and your timeline

This conversation is supportive, not evaluative. It’s simply to make sure you have what you need to make an informed choice.

Step 3: Completing the Withdrawal Paperwork

If you decide to withdraw:

A University representative will help complete the Status Change Form
You’ll fill out the Exit Counseling Questionnaire
Offices across campus will be notified so your accounts and records can be updated

Step 4: Understanding How Withdrawal Affects Your Record and Finances

You’ll receive guidance on:

Financial Aid

How your aid, loans, or scholarships will change
Whether you will owe money back
How withdrawal timing affects refunds or balances

Student Accounts

Any remaining balance
How refunds are handled
Payment timelines

Course Withdrawals

How your transcript will reflect course withdrawal (e.g., “W” grades)
Enrollment status changes

Housing & Meal Plans

Moving out and returning your keys
Meal plan adjustments
Timeline for vacating your space (typically within 48 hours of approval)

University Property

You’ll be reminded to return items such as:

University laptop
Library materials
Any loaned equipment

Mail Forwarding

You may need to update your mailing address for future communication.

After You Withdraw

You’ll receive contact details for follow-up questions and any next steps depending on your personal situation. If you ever decide you want to come back, you’ll be able to follow the Readmission/Return process — linked as a related resource on this page.

Take the
Next Step

Returning from a Leave of Absence

Request a Leave of Absence (including medical)