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 trouble having paying bills, consider options such as speaking to a financial counsellor in town or contacting utilities companies to negotiate repayments. Vouchers are also sometimes available from organisations such as the Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul. Deakin also has some interest free loans available through Student Life. You may also consider adjusting your study load to fit in some part time or casual employment.

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 University 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 through Student Life 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 Chaplain through Student Life for further support.

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   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 it 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 at Student Life may be helpful in determining what direction you wish to take in your studies in relation to the job you want at the end.
  
• 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

• preventing stress
• talk to a Chaplain
• Disability Resource Centre
• Division of Student Administration
• understand your learning entitlements
• Deakin University fees and charges
• financial assistance (External website)  -    Department of Human Services, Victorian Government
• talk to a Careers Counsellor

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