Stay and Adjust

Is leaving really the goal, or do you need a different way to continue?

Many students do not need to leave URI. They need a clearer plan, stronger support, or a temporary adjustment. Support is available to help you move forward.

Start Here

• Identify your primary challenge (academic, financial, personal, or uncertainty).
• Use your Starfish Success Network and schedule appointments with staff who can help.
• Talk to your academic advisor. Meet to review your options and next steps at URI.

Explore Your Academic Options

• If you are undeclared, considering a change, or required to transition out of your current major, connect with Undeclared/Exploring advising to align your strengths with a new path.
• If you have declared a major, review major requirements and your degree audit in eCampus with your academic advisor.
• Consider whether a lighter course load or revised schedule could help. Tuition and fee implications may apply.

Connect to Support

• Meet with your career education specialist to connect your academic work with your career goals.
• Work with a Success Coach to navigate challenges, coordinate support, and connect to campus resources.

connect with a success coach

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Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence may be appropriate if you need time away but plan to return to URI. If approved, a leave of absence (LOA) allows you to step away temporarily while maintaining your relationship with the University.

Before You Request an LOA

• Speak with your academic advisor or your dean’s office.
• Understand how long your leave can last and how it affects your student status.
• Review financial aid, billing, and housing implications. Review additional considerations before requesting an LOA.

Plan for Your Time Away

• Think about what you want to accomplish during your time away.
• Consider how your time away will support your academic, career, and personal goals.
• Be aware of how extended time away may affect your progress.

Plan Your Return

• Understand when and how you will return to URI.
• Confirm any steps required before re-enrollment.
• Be aware of registration timelines and deadlines.

Important Considerations

• A leave of absence is not automatic and may require approval. Consult with your dean’s office.
• You are responsible for understanding how your leave impacts your record and eligibility. Your student status may change during your time away.
• Financial aid, housing, and other services may be affected.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

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Transfer

If you decide to leave URI, it is important to complete the process correctly and understand the implications.

Before You Decide

• Meet with your academic advisor or dean’s office to review your options.
• Consider whether transferring aligns with your academic and career goals.
• Understand that transferring may affect your time to degree completion.

Prepare for Transfer

• Review admission requirements for your next institution.
• Resolve eCampus holds that will prevent transcript release.
• If you plan to return to URI, speak with advising before withdrawing.

Understand Credit Transfer

• Work with your new institution to understand how your courses may transfer.
• Be aware that not all credits may transfer or apply to your new program.
• Consider how transfer credit decisions may impact your academic timeline.

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Withdrawal

Withdrawal removes you from any academic program and cancels your student status.

Before You Withdraw

• Check whether a leave of absence, a reduced course load, or a change of major would be more appropriate.
• Meet with your academic advisor or dean’s office before taking action.
• Review how withdrawal may affect your financial aid, billing, housing, and other services.
• Understand how your enrollment status may change.

When You Withdraw Matters

• The effective date of your withdrawal may affect billing and financial aid.
• The effective date is noted on your permanent record, and the timing of withdrawal determines whether grades are recorded.
• Review additional considerations & resources before completing your withdrawal.

Complete The Process

• Stopping attendance does NOT withdraw you. You remain enrolled and financially responsible.
• You must complete the formal University withdrawal process.
• Pay close attention to deadlines and submission dates. Your academic advisor is here to help.

After You Withdraw

• Resolve any holds that may prevent transcript release.
• Understand readmission requirements and timelines. Students who withdraw must apply for readmission to return.
• Consider how your decision may affect transfer or future enrollment plans.

Understanding the Impact: More Than A Simple Reset

Leaving or taking time away from the university carries significant academic and financial implications. Because your enrollment status is often tied to specific services, a change may also affect your eligibility for financial aid, campus housing, military benefits, international (visa) status, athletics, and health insurance are important considerations.
These factors vary based on your individual circumstances and university deadlines. To avoid unintended consequences, we strongly recommend you confirm your status and talk to an advisor before taking action.