Withdrawing from study

Withdrawing is different to Intermitting. You may decide to intermit your studies for 6 - 12 months and recommence at a later time as you remain an enrolled student. Withdrawing is ceasing your enrolment in a course. When deciding to withdraw from your course, it makes sense to firstly reflect on your reasons and to consider all your options first.

Possible reasons

Your reason for deciding to withdraw may be for personal or study reasons. Some of the following may be happening for you at this time.

Personal concerns

Financial difficulties

• incurring debts
• cost of living / study

If you are finding it difficult to afford to study at this time, or are having trouble paying bills, it might be helpful to make an appointment to speak with a Financial Assistance Officer. Deakin University has some interest free loans and grants available through the Division of Student Life. Speaking to a financial assistance officer will help you to explore these options further.  

Relationships

If you are experiencing a crisis or upset in a relationship with family or a partner, it might be making it very difficult to focus on study. Counsellors and the  Multifaith Chaplains can provide support and strategies to help you cope. Talk to someone for support.

Ill health or disability

An on-going illness or medication change can make learning and study difficult. Follow the advice of your GP or specialist. The Disability Resource Centre at Deakin University is also available to help students with a disability and may be able to arrange for certain accommodations to be made to help students to reach their study goals.

Feeling isolated

Feeling isolated is accompanied by a sense of separation. The following could be issues:

• a perception that other students are far more advanced than yourself
• having less face to face contact with staff / students if you are off campus
• homesickness

Such experiences can affect confidence. Try talking about study concerns with Faculty staff or tutors or connect with on-line discussion forums for your subjects. You can also arrange to talk to a Counsellor or Multifaith Chaplain through the Division of Student Life for further support.

Study concerns

Some common problems can include:

• Balancing paid work and study
  Fitting studies into an already busy life can be very difficult so enlist help which may include talking to family and employers about times you need for study so that you can negotiate shifts or get support for family commitments.
• Deciding you are not in the right course or loosing direction with where your course will take you
  If you have course concerns, speak to staff in your Faculty including course advisors who can be of help in providing information about courses and streams of study. You may be able to change course or vary your enrolment. Meeting with a Careers Counsellor may be helpful in determining what direction you wish to take with your studies.
• Poor results / fear of failing
  Consider getting the help of a tutor if you have a difficult unit. If you are having a difficulty in a specific study skill such as assignment writing or exam preparation, contact the Academic Skills service through Student Life.

Deciding to withdraw

After considering all of your options, it may be that withdrawing is the best course of action for you to take. Consult with the Division of Student Administration (DSA) regarding correct procedure as this will help you to avoid incurring a HECS debt and insure you get credit for units already completed.

You may feel a mix of relief and disappointment about withdrawing so talking to someone such as a counsellor at this time may be helpful. Remember that there are many options outside of university that can allow you to gain qualifications, skills and further learning.

Taking it further

• Talk to a Multifaith Chaplain
• Make an appointment with a counsellor
• Contact the Disability Resource Centre
• Contact the Division of Student Administration
• Talk to a Careers Counsellor