Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalties and Procedures
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Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy
Financial penalties for withdrawing or being dismissed from a Program are different from on-campus activities or courses.
- You may be responsible for up to 100% of the billable program cost as soon as you commit to your Program.
- You will accrue financial penalties until you complete the Student Withdrawal Steps provided on our website.
- You forfeit any Office for Global Engagement Scholarships that you receive at the time of withdrawal or dismissal.
Some financial penalties are paid to the University of Utah and others are paid directly to third parties. Billable costs are charged directly to your U of U student tuition account. Non-billable costs are paid by the student directly to third parties. You are responsible for any non-billable expenses that you incur and should negotiate refunds for non-billable program costs directly with vendors. To avoid non-billable penalties, consider purchasing trip insurance.
To calculate the total withdrawal and dismissal penalties, see the links below and the Budget Sheet on your Program webpage. If you withdraw or are dismissed BEFORE you commit to the Program, your Learning Abroad Program Deposit, if applicable, will be refunded. If you are dismissed from your program AFTER the program start date, you are also responsible for any costs associated with your dismissal including, but not limited to, return flights, ground transportation, accommodations, and phone charges.
All Learning Abroad Faculty-Led Programs
| Billable Program Costs | Non-Billable Program Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term of Program | $250 Learning Abroad Program Deposit is non-refundable | 50% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 75% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 100% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | Non-billable costs are subject to the refund policies and timelines of the parties to which you make the payment. |
| Fall, Fall Break, Academic Year | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | July 7 | July 15 | August 1 | |
| Winter Break, Spring, Spring Break, Calendar Year | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | November 21 | December 7 | December 15 | |
| Summer | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | March 21 | April 1 | April 7 | |
Note: Many cultures and organizations do not issue refunds for any reason. The University begins making advanced, non-refundable reservations and incurring expenses as soon as you commit to your program in the online Learning Abroad Application, which is before billable costs appear on your student account.
All U of U Exchange Programs
| Billable Program Costs | Non-Billable Program Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term of Program | $250 Learning Abroad Program Deposit is non-refundable | 50% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 75% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 100% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | Non-billable costs are subject to the refund policies and timelines of the parties to which you make the payment |
| Fall Semester |
Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | April 1 | April 7 | April 15 | |
| Academic Year | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | April 1* | April 7* | April 15* | |
| Spring Semester |
Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | October 21 | October 28 | November 4 | |
| Calendar Year | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | October 21** | October 28** | November 4** | |
*Refer to Spring semester withdrawal deadlines if you complete the Fall semester but withdraw from the Spring semester.
**Refer to Fall semester withdrawal deadlines if you complete the Spring semester but withdraw from the Fall semester
Note: The University agrees to accept an incoming student from one of our exchange partners when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. The billable costs that you pay to the University of Utah are used to cover the tuition costs of the incoming student. In exchange for this arrangement, your host institution waives tuition costs for you. Even if you choose to withdraw from the program, the University of Utah will still incur tuition fees for the incoming student.
All Affiliate Programs
Withdrawal Deadlines and Penalties
Non-billable costs are subject to the policies of the parties to which you make the
payment. Penalties and withdrawal deadlines vary. Contact the parties to which you
make payments for information about withdrawal and refund policies.
Note: Learning Abroad provides benefits and services to assist you throughout the application process. Withdrawal penalties for billable costs are incurred after you commit to the program in your online Learning Abroad application.
Temporary Academic Travel Experience (TATE)
Withdrawal Deadlines and Penalties
Non-billable costs are subject to the policies of the parties or departments to which
you make the payment. Penalties and withdrawal deadlines vary. Contact the parties
or departments to which you make payments for information about withdrawal and refund
policies.
You are responsible for adhering to the add/drop dates listed in the University Academic calendar.
Note: Learning Abroad provides benefits and services to assist you throughout the application process. Withdrawal penalties for billable costs are incurred after you commit to the program in your online Learning Abroad application.
U Global Campuses
|
Billable Costs |
Non-Billable Costs | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term of Program | $100 Transition Fee is non-refundable | Tuition Charges & Fees | Non-billable costs are subject to the policies of the parties to which you make the payment. Penalties and withdrawal deadlines vary. Contact the parties to which you make payments for information about withdrawal and refund policies. |
| All Terms | Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | You are responsible for adhering to the drop deadline policy and date for the University of Utah Asia Campus. Review information on the Office of the Registrar's website. | |
Note: Learning Abroad provides benefits and services to assist you throughout the application process. Withdrawal penalties for billable costs are incurred after you commit to the program in your online Learning Abroad application.
All U Cohort Programs
| Billable Program Costs | Non-Billable Program Costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term of Program | $250 Learning Abroad Program Deposit is non-refundable | 50% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 75% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | 100% of the billable program cost is non-refundable starting on | Non-billable costs are subject to the refund policies and timelines of the parties to which you make the payment |
| Spring Semester |
Beginning when you commit to the program in the online Learning Abroad Application. | n/a | n/a | November 14 | |
Note: Learning Abroad provides benefits and services to assist you throughout the application process. Withdrawal penalties for billable costs are incurred after you commit to the program in your online Learning Abroad application.
You are not exempt from financial penalties for failing to read information or follow
instructions, incorrectly withdrawing from a program, poor academic or financial planning,
visa or passport issues, student conduct issues, and/or not meeting the eligibility
requirements for your program.
Student Withdrawal Steps
Before withdrawing from your program, review the Withdrawal Penalty Policy. The process for withdrawing from a program depends on the status of your application. It is your responsibility to withdraw from any classes in which you have enrolled. Failure to withdraw from classes could result in a failing grade or permanent mark on your transcript.
The date of your withdrawal is determined by the date and time on which you complete the process:
Pre-Decision Applicants: Log into your Learning Abroad Application and click the Withdraw button next to your program title.
Post-Decision Applicants: Click here to submit your Withdrawal Form online. Do not submit this form more than once.
You will continue to accrue withdrawal penalties until you follow the Student Withdrawal Steps. Notifying your Faculty Director or another University of Utah office will not withdraw you from the program. Within 10 business days of receiving your withdrawal, Learning Abroad will email you an official calculation of withdrawal penalties sent to your Umail account. It is your responsibility to withdraw from any courses in which you are enrolled.
Appeal Withdrawal Penalties
To submit a financial appeal, follow the instructions below:
- Review the Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalties and Procedures. This policy was presented to you during the application process and you agreed to it in your Program Application.
- (OPTIONAL) Meet with the Director for Learning Abroad. If desired, you can meet with the Director for Learning Abroad before a decision is made about your appeal. Appeal meetings are 30-minutes long and held only with the student present. Guests or other parties will be asked to wait in the lobby during the meeting. To schedule an appointment, select yes in the online questionnaire in the appeal form. You must meet with the Director BEFORE a decision is made.
- Submit your online appeal BEFORE the deadline. A link to this form was provided to you in the Notification of Withdrawal Charges email sent to your Umail account when you withdrew from your Program.
- All appeals require an explanation or justification. This is submitted in the online form. You should write a letter of explanation/justification for why your circumstances merit an exception to University policy. This will help the University make a decision on your case.
- All appeals must include supporting documentation. Any claim that is made in your letter of justification should have some documented proof. Tips for providing documentation are found below.
- Appeal outcomes will be emailed to your U Mail account. Decisions are final.
All appeals are subject to the following terms:
- You can only appeal the charges once. All decisions are final. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a refund or a waiver of future charges.
- Your appeal must be completed by deadlines listed below. Appeals completed after these deadlines will NOT be considered.
|
Term of Program |
Appeal Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Fall Semester & Fall Break |
November 1 |
|
Academic Year |
November 1 (January 15 if withdrawing from second semester) |
|
Spring Semester, Spring Break & Winter Break |
April 1 |
|
Calendar Year |
April 1 (August 15 if withdrawing from second semester) |
|
Summer |
September 1 |
- A completed appeal has a status of Committed in the online application portal AND includes documentation to support your appeal.
- The appeal process can be lengthy. Depending on your circumstances and the timing of your appeal, the process can take several months to complete.
- Keep your student tuition account current while waiting for the outcome of your appeal. Any student failing to comply will be subject to full enforcement of the terms, including involuntarily dropping classes, inability to register for classes, referral to a collection agency, or legal action as required.
Tips for completing your appeal:
- Take the process seriously. You can only appeal financial penalties once. Decisions will NOT be reversed based on information provided after the online form is submitted.
- Consider the basis of your appeal. You must appeal based on circumstances beyond your control. Examples include:
- Death in the immediate family
- Life-threatening situations
- Sudden, unforeseen medical conditions
- Military orders
- Appeals will be denied if they are based on the following:
- Falling out of eligibility for the program after you Commit to the Program
- Poor academic or financial planning
- Choosing to participate in a different activity or take a new job opportunity
- Voluntarily leaving your employment
- Failure to receive a scholarship
- Be consistent. The University will compare the information submitted in the appeal form with many sources of information including but not limited to: verbal discussions, email correspondence, forms that were submitted, application materials, and the information provided in your withdrawal form. Discrepancies may undermine your appeal.
- If you are appealing due to a disability or a temporary, unforeseen medical condition,
you should submit all documentation through the Center for Disability & Access (CDA)
New Student Intake Form. When you complete the intake form, include a statement that you are submitting your
documentation as part of an appeal with Learning Abroad. You should submit a letter
of support from your healthcare provider explaining why you are medically unable to
participate in the Program. Learning Abroad cannot accept medical documentation directly.
Based on your circumstances, CDA will submit documentation to Learning Abroad on your
behalf. Be sure to contact CDA well before the Appeal deadline to allow sufficient
time for processing. If you are appealing for any other reason, please upload your
supporting documentation in your Learning Abroad Financial Penalty Appeal Form.
- If you claim that you lost your job, you must provide a letter from your employer documenting your involuntary termination and verifying the date on which you were notified of your termination.
- If you claim financial hardship, detail how your personal finances significantly changed AFTER you committed to the program. Additionally, demonstrate the means you took to rectify the situation through seeking employment, financial aid, loans, or other avenues. While your financial support system’s (parents, guardian, trust, etc.) contributions can reflect one avenue of income, there are several other ways that you can learn abroad and fulfill your financial commitments. Scholarships are not guaranteed. Appeals on the basis of not receiving scholarships will be denied.
- If you claim military service, you should provide a copy of your orders listing dates of deployment or training that conflict with the dates of your Program. In the absence of official orders, a letter from your commanding officer that provides this information may suffice.
- If you claim other circumstances, it is up to you to provide adequate documentation. Type and content of documentation will vary based on your circumstances.
- Learning Abroad does not provide additional consultation on documentation requirements
Program Cancellation Policy
If your program is cancelled by the University of Utah, you are eligible for a full refund of the billable program costs. Students are responsible for negotiating refunds for any non-billable services or items. To avoid non-billable penalties, consider purchasing trip insurance. You can also reserve a refundable airline ticket to avoid charges.
Dismissal from a Program
You can be dismissed from your Program at three stages: Pre-decision, Post-decision, or While Abroad. If you are dismissed from your Program for any reason, you will be subject to the Withdrawal and Dismissal Policy outlined above. Details on the dismissal process are found in the Student Conduct section.