University Dismissals/Withdrawals for F-1 Students
University Dismissals
College policy requires that all students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in “good academic standing.” At the end of each fall and spring semester, all student academic records are examined based on cumulative GPA.
If your cumulative GPA is below 2.0, you will be placed in “academic progress review” and are subject to academic dismissal from the college.
All students in academic review will be notified by email to their official SUNY Plattsburgh account. This email will come from the provost/vice president for academic affairs.
If you receive an email regarding academic dismissal, you should appeal immediately. You must follow the directions provided and adhere to the deadlines in the email.
If your appeal is granted, you will be allowed to enroll at Plattsburgh for the upcoming semester on academic probation.
If your appeal is denied, you will not be allowed to enroll at Plattsburgh for the upcoming semester. In order to keep your F-1 status, you must have already made plans to transfer to another institution to continue your studies.
Once your dismissal is official, your SEVIS record will be terminated if you have not transferred to another institution. You must make plans to leave the U.S. as soon as possible.
Withdrawals & Leaves of Absence
There are a number of reasons why a student might need to withdraw or take a personal, non-medical leave of absence from SUNY Plattsburgh. Some examples are:
- A family medical emergency
- Financial difficulties
- Required military service
- A transfer to another school/institution to pursue your course of study
It is not possible to request a personal, non-medical withdrawal during the last ten calendar days of the semester.
Please note that the procedures laid out below are only for personal, non-medical withdrawals/leaves of absence. For medical/psychological withdrawals, contact the Center for Student Health & Psychological Services at 518-564-2187.
How to Request Personal, Non-Medical Withdrawal or Leave of Absence for International Students
- Make an appointment with the Global Education Office to let them know you want to
withdraw and what your plans are for afterward. They will explain what happens to
your immigration status in the United States based on your plans.
Note: This is especially important of you plan to transfer to another university. You typically can only remain in the US a few days after withdrawing or before transferring your I-20 to a new college, so timing is important. - Contact Student Financial Services to ask if you are eligible for any refunds AND if your scholarships or other aid
will be affected by your withdrawal or leave of absence.
Note: Students should try to withdraw before the start of the semester to minimize tuition and fee liability. Once the semester starts, the effective date of withdrawal determines the student’s tuition liability and any applicable refunds. - Contact Academic Advising to ask how your withdrawal will affect any courses for which you are currently registered. For example, what will your grade for that course be and how will it affect your overall GPA.
- Complete Undergraduate College Withdrawal form through Academic Advising. Graduate students should work with the graduate admissions office and complete the Graduate Studies College Withdrawal form.
If you are transferring to another school, your SEVIS record will be officially transferred on the agreed release date.
If you are withdrawing completely from SUNY Plattsburgh and returning to your home country, your SEVIS record will be terminated.
When you are ready to return from a personal, non-medical withdrawal/leave of absence, please contact international admissions and the international student advisor. You will receive advisement on readmission and immigration procedures for your return.