Student Support
THINKING OF LEAVING?
Thinking of leaving University?
Investigate your options first!
So you are thinking of leaving Uni? For many students, the pressure of study or outside commitments can prompt thoughts of leaving. But there are other options available to you, for example...
- Leave from study may be available, giving you time to do other things whilst keeping further study options open for up to twelve months
- Study programs can be changed or varied to meet your needs
- Costs can be reduced in many different ways
- Support, counselling and advice is available, no matter what the problem
- Advice on other courses, study support, other universities & TAFE is available
Things that you need to do:
- Think carefully about your options
- Talk to someone who can give you the appropriate advice
- Decide what you are going to do (and feel happy with your decision)
- Follow up the CSU procedures for withdrawing and understand the financial ramifications of your actions
- Keep your options open
- Stay positive and focused about the change of direction
What are your options?
Rather than leaving, here are just a few of the options available to you.
1. Withdrawing from Individual Subjects.
Withdrawing from a subject can have implications that you need to understand before taking any action:
- Be aware of the conditions under which you are withdrawing (i.e. with or without academic/financial penalty).
- Clarify if your course and subjects will still be available when you are ready to undertake them.
- Formalise your withdrawal by notifying your Liaison Officer in Student Administration in writing and make sure your reason for withdrawing is documented.
- Refer to the Principal Dates. You should make this decision prior to the Census date (Autumn 31 March, Spring 31 August and Trimesters: Monday of Week 3).
- Refer to Government Financial Assistance Schemes section - Centrelink.
- Ensure that the subjects are not prerequisites for other subjects you may be studying.
- Be aware of minimum progression rates .
* A distance education student can go from studying two subjects to only one.
* An internal student can go from studying 4 subjects to three subjects without losing the Youth Allowance.
It may help to talk to: Student Liaison Officer, Careers Advisor, School Liaison Officer, Student Counsellor, Course Coordinator, or International Student Advisor.
2. Finishing the Session
Consider finishing the session if you can. A couple more weeks’ effort may make a lot of difference in months and years to come. The reasons are:
- You will gain the credit points that will count towards your degree if you decide to return.
- You won't have to repeat the subjects later.
- You may have to pay HECS on an uncompleted subject.
- The subjects might not be available when you do return.
- If it is past the Census date a withdrawal will result in academic and financial penalties.
Check if you are eligible for Grade Pending Grade Refer to Handbook Special Consideration Regulation 4.5 and Assessment Reg 7.5.
It may help to talk to: Student Liaison Officer, Careers Advisor, School Liaison Officer, Student Counsellor, Course Coordinator, or International Student Advisor.
3. Taking leave from study (known as 'deferring' or leave of absence)
You need to:
- Complete and pass at least one semester of your course
- Lodge a written request for leave of absence with your Liaison Officer in Student Administration.
- Determine when you will return to study, and what might happen if you don't.
- Clarify whether your course will still be available.
- Formalise your leave from study by notifying your Liaison Officer in Student Administration in writing and make sure your reason for withdrawing is documented.
- Refer to Government Financial Assistance Schemes section - Centrelink
- Ensure that the subjects are not prerequisites for other subjects you may be studying.
It may help to talk to: Student Liaison Officer, Careers Advisor, School Liaison Officer, Student Counsellor, Course Coordinator, or International Student Advisor.
4. Withdrawing from study
Withdrawing from study is a big decision. If you do decide to withdraw you will need to consider the following:
- Be confident in your decision.
- Be aware of the conditions under which you are withdrawing (i.e. with or without academic/financial penalty).
- Formalise your withdrawal by notifying your Liaison Officer in Student Administration in writing and make sure your reason for leaving is documented.
- Request, acquire and complete all documents required.
- Keep anything that may help you return to CSU or enter another institution.
- Refer to Principal Dates. You should make your decision prior to the Census date (Autumn 31 March, Spring 31 August and Trimesters: Monday of Week 3).
- Refer to Government Financial Assistance Schemes section - Centrelink
It may help to talk to: Student Liaison Officer, Careers Advisor, School Liaison Officer, Student Counsellor, Course Coordinator, or International Student Advisor.