Required to Withdraw

A student will be Required to Withdraw (RTW) from the University for a minimum of 12 months when one or more of the following conditions apply:

  • They did not satisfy the minimum Progression Requirements for continuation of study at Western;
  • They did not meet the conditions of probation; or
  • They have exceeded the maximum number of failed courses allowed (6.0 courses)

This requirement is imposed by Senate academic policy, not by the Dean. The policy governing undergraduate progression and withdrawal can be found here. 

Being required to withdraw is not meant to be punitive. It offers students the opportunity to take a break from academic studies, address the underlying issues that impacted their performance, and return better prepared to succeed. The Readmission process allows the University to reset the student’s cumulative average and failed course count while retaining credit for successfully completed courses. It is the best way to set students up for success in meeting future progression requirements.

To resume studies at Western after your withdrawal period, you must reapply for admission through the Readmission process. Detailed instructions are available on the Senate Readmission to Western website. 

 

Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements

Students who have been Required to Withdraw and believe their academic performance was severely affected by serious, documented extenuating circumstances may apply for a Dean’s Waiver of Progression Requirements.

This option is intended for students whose difficulties were temporary in nature, have now been resolved, and who are ready to assume full academic responsibility. If granted, the student is allowed to remain enrolled without serving a withdrawal period. However, the cumulative average and failed course count are not reset. As a result, students must perform exceedingly well in subsequent coursework to raise their average and meet progression requirements.

This is a discretionary and non-appealable decision, granted only in exceptional cases.

Full details and the petition form are available on this website: Dean’s Waiver of Progression Requirements – Faculty of Science