Withdrawal for Mitigating Circumstances

If you withdraw from one or more of your courses after the end of the school's drop period, VA may reduce or stop your benefits on the date of reduction or withdrawal. If you withdraw from a course after the end of the drop period, you may have to repay all benefits for the course unless you can show that the change was due to mitigating circumstances. VA defines "mitigating circumstances" as unavoidable and unexpected events that directly interfere with your pursuit of a course and are beyond your control.

Examples of reasons VA may accept are:

• Extended illness;
• Severe illness or death in your immediate family;
• Unscheduled changes in your employment;
• and lack of child care.

Examples of reasons VA may not accept are:

• Withdrawal to avoid a failing grade;
• Dislike of the instructor; and
• Too many courses attempted.

NOTE: VA may ask you to furnish evidence to support your reason for a change.

If a serious injury or illness caused the change, obtain a statement from your doctor.

If a change in employment caused the change, obtain a statement from your employer.

The first time you withdraw from up to six credit hours, VA will "excuse" the withdrawal and pay benefits for the period attended. Remember, this only applies to your first withdrawal. If you receive a grade that does not count toward graduation, you may have to repay all benefits for the course.

Go to the Registrar's Page for Withdrawal Forms and Instructions for further information. Students who have been approved through the federal waiver process (Mitigating Circumstance) are also required to complete the "Academic Plan". The form can be viewed online at www.esc.edu/goodacademicstanding.