Taking Time Off

What you should know about withdrawing from a course

If you have decided to withdraw from a course, check the Registration Dates and Deadlines webpage for full details on deadlines. Please also review the page on Withdrawals for detailed information about how to withdraw and the financial implications.

Keep in mind that the withdrawal deadline is a firm deadline, there are no exceptions, including technical or human error, so don’t wait until the last few hours/minutes to withdraw on BearTracks.

If Beartracks does not process your course drop/delete before midnight of the deadline date, the only option is to withdraw. This will result in a grade of “W” on your transcript.

Because corequisites are meant to be taken in the same term, self-service withdrawal from only one of the courses is not possible–you must withdraw from both. After the add/deadline, contact the instructor of the course you wish to remain enrolled in, ask for approval for you to drop the co-requisite course, and forward it to us. In order to be valid, the Faculty of Science must receive your request–including your instructor's approval in writing–before the withdrawal deadline. Please take note if the term’s withdrawal deadline falls on a holiday, and University buildings are closed, and plan accordingly.

I’d like to take time off from school

Your ability to take a semester off or even a year, will depend on the program you are in and your academic standing status.

While time off may be necessary, it also comes with impacts you may not be aware of. 

  • Newly admitted students: Science students who are new to the University of Alberta have 1 academic year to activate their admission offer. This means you must attend either the fall semester (beginning September) or winter semester (beginning January) for your record to remain active.

    You are permitted to take 1 semester off. This means you may start your classes in January,  or take courses in September and skip the January term.

    Students who have not maintained enrolment after the January registration deadline will be cancelled.

    • Admission deferral - 1 year: If you are unable to begin your studies, you may be eligible to request a  one-time deferral of your offer of admission. Deferrals are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Not all faculties/programs will accept a deferral of admission request and the deadline to request is September 1.  Visit the “accepting your offer” admission pages for details or contact the Student Services Centre.
  • Probation students: Ensure you read the conditions of your probation and inquire with our advising team if you have questions.  Withdrawing from courses will be possible, but withdrawing from a semester or year may have unintended consequences. Please connect with the advising team to understand your situation.
  • Current Science students in good academic standing: Current students must maintain enrolment throughout the calendar year for their record to remain active. Students who do not enrol in courses and complete course work for 4 consecutive terms will have their record inactivated.  If your record is inactivated and you wish to return to your studies, you will need to re-apply and possibly requalify for admission. Review calendar;
  • Current Science students in poor academic standing: If you are struggling in your courses you may need to take some time off. What this looks like depends on your situation and what you think you can handle.  Do not delay, we encourage you to speak to a member of our advising team as early as possible. Advisors can help you understand impacts to your academic standing and program progression. They can also provide you with resources and tips to support you.  Forms and resources are available here.

If you plan to take an extended absence from your studies please discuss with one of our academic advisors