Withdrawing from Seminary
Students will be expected to maintain continuous enrollment once admitted to Northeastern Seminary. If it becomes necessary to leave for a semester or withdraw from the seminary, a change of status form must be completed by the student and submitted to the coordinator of academic planning. These changes are not official and do not engage the “Tuition Refund Schedule” (see section in this catalog) until the withdraw form, authorized by the student, is processed by the appropriate Seminary officials and submitted to the office of registration and student financial services. Students without an approved leave of absence, who do not maintain continuous registration status (excluding summer semesters) will be responsible for remaining tuition costs as outlined on the “Tuition and Aid Reversal Schedule” section in this catalog, and will be required to reapply for admission to the Seminary.
Temporary Withdrawal and Dropping Out Policies
Students sometimes must interrupt their seminary programs because of issues beyond their control such as health problems, unexpected family responsibilities, or financial stress. A student facing such issues should consult with the coordinator of academic planning, prior to making a final decision. This will enable the Seminary to provide counsel and assistance for continuing enrollment or to help the student develop a plan to re-enter as soon as possible, should the interruption prove unavoidable.
Temporary Withdrawal
Students should always consult with the coordinator of academic planning prior to making any final decision regarding a break in their program. There are costs involved in timing and finances that need to be considered. Often assistance is available to help a student through a particularly difficult situation or circumstance to avoid withdrawal. There are times, however, when withdrawing is unavoidable. In those cases, the following steps outline the process involved, the policy regarding refunds, and returning to the Seminary:
- Students must notify the coordinator of academic planning of their plans for withdrawing from a Seminary program and to schedule a personal conversation. Prior to or during the conversation a withdrawal form must be completed and signed. This conversation may serve as the exit interview required before the withdrawal becomes official.
- At the time of the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for all tuition and fees up to the day the official withdrawal form was completed and signed by both the student and the coordinator of academic planning, regardless of class non-attendance. If a new class has already begun at the time of withdrawal, the refund policy available from student financial services will be used to determine the refund or balance due (see “Tuition Refund Schedule” section in this catalog to determine amounts refunded/due). The refund or balance due will be recorded on the change of status form before the student signs it.
- Refunds apply to the tuition charges only. Fees and deposits are not refunded.
- Students are responsible for the appropriate percent of tuition charges if they notify the Seminary that they are withdrawing after the course begins, even if they did not attend classes (see “Tuition Refund Schedule” section in this catalog).
- Within the first 12 months after withdrawing, a student may re-enter the Seminary without having to reapply. The student must, however, give the Seminary a 30-day notice to guarantee placement.
- After 18 months, the student must complete a reapplication “short form” to be readmitted. The student may also be asked to complete an updated autobiographical statement and recommendation. If a student’s original admission status was under the non-baccalaureate category, the Seminary cannot guarantee readmission at the time the student requests. The student’s reapplication will be considered against the available quotas allowed under the Association of Theological Schools’ 15% regulations.
- Readmission to the Seminary requires the student is in good standing with student financial services.
- Students returning to active status will re-enter under the then-current catalog and financial aid and scholarship structure.
Dropping Out
A student who, upon departure, develops no plan for returning to the Seminary:
- Within the first 12 months after dropping out a student may re-enter the Seminary following a personal interview with the coordinator of academic planning. The student shall give the Seminary a 30-day notice to guarantee placement.
- Must reapply, if more than 12 months have elapsed.