A physical or hardship withdrawal may be applied when a student seeks to withdraw from RFU based on one of the hardship reasons listed below and when the student’s withdrawal occurs after the 100% tuition refund date has passed.

A student who attends an academic program and who faces severe financial or physical hardship may be considered for hardship withdrawal. Types of hardship include, but are not limited to:

• Serious injury or illness
• Chronic illness
• A serious medical issue of a family member in which the student has to become a part-time or full-time caretaker of that family member
• A mental health condition
• A sudden or consistent lack of transportation that prohibits student presence in class
• A significant non-elective cost of living increase for the student

Procedures

To request a hardship withdrawal, students must contact The Office of the Registrar and complete the . The student must submit the completed form along with clear, complete documentation proving the severe financial or physical hardship prior to the end of the term/quarter in which they intend to withdraw. Supporting documentation is required.

The Office of Student Financial Services in conjunction with Student Success and Wellness and the Office of the Registrar will review the completed hardship withdrawal request form, including all required documentation, and they will contact the student with the final decision.

A student who withdraws under this policy should contact The Office of Admissions regarding how to reapply for admission if they wish to resume their degree. Students who withdraw with an outstanding debt due to the university are eligible for readmission. RFU may be able to assist if they choose to return. This policy does not address the impact of a hardship withdrawal on the student’s academic record or ability to complete their degree.

Points of Contact

• Office of the Registrar
• Office of Student Financial Services
• Office of Admissions

Definitions

• Debt - means any money, obligation, claim, or sum due to owing or alleged to be due or owing from a student to an institution of higher education.
• Withdrawal - is a permanent separation from the university. Any student who plans to leave the University permanently must formally withdraw. Any student who has withdrawn from the University and then wishes to return is required to reapply for admission. 

References and Related Policies 

• Return of Title IV Funds & Tuition Refund Policy