Temporary Withdrawal

The Dean of Students may grant a temporary withdrawal for a duration of one semester up to one year to any student requesting to leave Macalester for personal reasons or for the purpose of attending another institution. A temporary withdrawal may be extended beyond one year with the permission of the Dean of Students. If the student does not apply for an extension prior to the termination of the temporary withdrawal, the student must apply to the Registrar's Office for readmission to the College when he/she wishes to return.

In order to request a temporary withdrawal, a student must have completed the first term as a new student and be in good academic standing. A student may not take a temporary withdrawal if action of a committee, board or official of the College, which would affect the student's status, is pending. Students who leave the College and are ineligible for a temporary withdrawal must apply for readmission.
A form requesting a temporary withdrawal must be submitted to the Dean of Students Office no later than the 10th day of the current term. Students wishing to apply for a temporary withdrawal after this deadline may petition through the Dean of Students. Documentation of a situation affecting the student's ability to be successful in the current term must be provided. Any student who wishes to leave Macalester for the purpose of entering military service or fulfilling mandatory religious obligations shall be granted a temporary withdrawal upon notification of the Dean of Students.

First year students leaving in their first term at Macalester are not eligible to return before the following Fall. The Admissions Office must be notified by March 1 for a return the following Fall Term.
In order to register for the term following a temporary withdrawal, a student must contact the Registrar's Office for registration materials and information. At least one month should be allowed for processing.
Failure to return from a temporary withdrawal by the date stated when requesting a temporary withdrawal or an extension will require that a student apply for readmission.
Students on a temporary withdrawal may not:

1. Participate in any student activity fee supported activity, intramurals, club or intercollegiate activities, forensics or performance activities, physical education activity courses, College sponsored volunteer activities or any activity in which they are representing the College.
2. Use art, computing or science facilities. (Students can request, in writing to the Dean of Students, permission to use computing services while on temporary withdrawal. The request must include the academic concerns that require the exception to this policy.)
3. Use medical or counseling services at Health and Wellness Services.
4. Live in College housing.
5. Have a campus mailbox.

Students on a temporary withdrawal may use the Library, Learning Center, Career Development Center and faculty advising.

International students are generally not allowed to take a temporary withdrawal and remain in the U.S. during the semesters of the academic year according to VISA regulations. If an international student takes a temporary withdrawal and leaves the U.S., the student should contact the International Center for further clarification of their status and process for re-entry to the U.S., as well as for regulations and special exceptions for the temporary withdrawal.

Also see Academic Policies – Involuntary Temporary Withdrawal