Students considering time away from graduate study must communicate with the University prior to taking time off from the graduate program and fill out the appropriate paperwork. There are two types of withdrawals: temporary and permanent. Regardless of withdrawal type, the first step for students enrolled in courses is to officially drop courses.

Temporary Withdrawal

Students planning to resume studies at the University of Denver may qualify for a temporary withdrawal. This type of withdrawal includes personal and medical leaves. A graduate student who wants to take time off from the University must fill out the withdrawal form in MyDU by the Registrar’s published deadline to drop classes.  Students may indicate their intent to return by applying for a personal leave of absence during the withdrawal process.

Permanent Withdrawal

Students wishing to discontinue graduate study must communicate the decision to permanently withdraw from the graduate program in writing to their department and the Office of the Registrar. 

Note: Students in University College and the Sturm College of Law work directly with their department to go on a Personal Leave of Absence. Consult the unit for details.