Find Out Before You Drop Out
Do it Right
If You've Decided To Withdraw Then Do It Right!
For undergraduate students, if you decide to take a semester or longer off but have already completed some studies and received grades, you are simply classed as absent. You don't need to contact anyone to do this but you must ensure you have fully withdrawn from all units.
The usual problem that occurs is when a student decides not to return to their studies in second semester but assumes that by not returning the University will simply withdraw them from any remaining units. This is not the case. If you do not withdraw yourself from all units, you will be charged tuition fees and receive fail grades for not attending examinations. This can result in all sorts of problems further down the track.
There is no onus on the University to remove the fees and grades if you have simply walked away without taking any action. Fail grades and outstanding fees will have on going repercussions, particularly when you wish to reapply to Macquarie or to any other tertiary institution.
You have two courses of action for withdrawing from your studies.
Safe Procedure
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Complete a Change of Program form,
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If you're a first year student attend a Change of Program Session - times are listed on the form- and withdraw from all units.
If you are an continuing student EITHER attend a Change of Program Session OR in some cases, you can withdraw via eStudent.
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Collect and read your new Advice of Enrolment and Registration printout to ensure you are no longer enrolled in any units.
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Keep this form for future reference.
Make sure the University has your current postal address - you can update your address yourself through eStudent.
What should I do next?
- if you receive Centrelink payments, advise Centrelink immediately.
- pay any debts to the University (eg library fines, loan repayment, etc).
- hand in your student ID card.
- apply for a Student Association Fee refund if appropriate
- print off a copy of your academic history from eStudent for your records.
- keep copies of your subject outlines as well as any assignments you have completed. These could be useful in the future.
International students need to contact the International Student Centre.
Final Checklist:
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thought through the implications of what you're planning to do, and are happy with your decision?
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completed and submitted a Change of Program form?
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found out the closing dates for reapplying if you decide that this is what you wish to do?
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obtained a copy of all your results to date? (Macquarie University does not give credit for partially completed subjects, only for fully completed subjects).
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asked about fee refunds?
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ensured the University has your most recent address?
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notified Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance of your decision and filled out the relevant forms?
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paid all outstanding debts and library fines and kept all the appropriate records of your study?
If so... then all the best