Withdrawal From Life University Policy SS.014

Policy Title: Withdrawal from Life University  

Policy Number: ​FN.​​014​ 

Effective Date: 01/01/18 

Last Revised/Approved Date: 9/30/25 

Approved By:  President 

Responsible Office/Unit: Finance​ 

Public / Private (Public policy page, catalog) 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to promote and enforce regular class attendance, as it is essential for academic success. Additionally, to ensure compliance with federal regulations, students must begin attendance in all courses for which they receive federal financial aid. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to all Life University students.   

3. Policy Statement 

Regular class attendance is essential for students to achieve their educational objectives. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, including labs, and attendance will be taken during each class session. 

Federal regulations require that students begin attendance in all courses for which they are receiving federal financial aid. Title IV funds are awarded with the expectation that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the funds were awarded. If a student completely withdraws from the institution, they may no longer be eligible to retain the full amount of Title IV funds originally awarded. 

A student’s official withdrawal date is defined as the last date of academic attendance, as determined by the institution’s attendance records. A student is considered to have withdrawn if they do not complete all the days they were scheduled to attend within a given period of enrollment. The institution must determine a student’s withdrawal no later than 14 calendar days after their last date of recorded attendance. 

Students who receive federal student aid may be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation if they are determined to be an official or unofficial withdrawal during the quarter. 

Students Receiving Title IV Financial Aid 

• If a student begins attendance in at least one course but fails to begin attendance in all scheduled courses, the institution must determine whether a recalculation of Pell Grant and Campus-Based aid is required based on revised enrollment and cost of attendance. 

• If a student ceases attendance (drops or withdraws) from all Title IV-eligible courses within a payment period or period of enrollment, they must be considered a Title IV withdrawal. 

• If the institution cannot document attendance for a student who fails to complete a course, the student is considered not to have begun attendance, and all financial aid must be returned for that payment period. 

• If a student did not begin attendance in enough courses to establish half-time enrollment, the school may not disburse a Direct Loan to that student after they withdraw. 

4. Definitions

Title IV funds are federal financial aid funds for postsecondary students, including Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and federal Direct Student Loans and PLUS Loans, all authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and administered by the U.S. Department of Education.   

5. Procedure  

Official Withdrawal from Life University 

Withdrawal is defined as the process of removing all classes a student is currently scheduled to attend. The last date of academic attendance will determine the student’s withdrawal status and final grade outcome. 

• Students who withdraw by Monday of Week 10 will receive a grade of “W” or “WP” (beginning Week 2). 

• Grades and tuition adjustments are determined based on the student’s official withdrawal date as recorded in the University’s attendance system. 

Steps for Official Withdrawal 

1. Initiate Withdrawal Form 

• Students must initiate the “Withdrawal Form” via DocuSign, accessible through the Registrar Forms website. 

2. Routing to Required Departments 

• The form is automatically routed to the following departments: 

• Academic Dean (or Associate/Assistant Dean): Will determine and verify the last date of academic attendance from official records. 

• Housing (if applicable) 

• Student Accounts 

• Financial Aid 

• Registrar 

• Each department representative will contact the student to provide information regarding the academic, financial, and housing implications of withdrawal. 

3. Mandatory Waiting Period 

• After all required signatures are obtained, there is a mandatory 2-business-day waiting period before the form is officially processed. 

4. Final Notification 

• Students will receive an email notification within 30 days of withdrawal. This includes information about any remaining financial obligations to the University. 

5. Notification of External Agencies 

• The University will notify relevant agencies of the student’s change in enrollment status, including: 

• National Student Clearinghouse 

• Veterans Affairs (if applicable) 

• Other required regulatory or oversight bodies 

Unofficial Withdrawal 

To comply with federal regulations, Life University has a process to identify students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing. 

• A student is classified as an unofficial withdrawal if they cease attending without completing the official withdrawal process outlined above. 

• If a student begins attendance but fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course during the enrollment period, the institution must assume, for Title IV financial aid purposes, that the student has unofficially withdrawn. 

Consequences of Unofficial Withdrawal 

• Unofficial withdrawals are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation. 

• Students may become financially responsible for returning unearned aid and may incur a balance owed to the University. 

• In cases where it is determined that a student has abandoned their classes: 

• Grades of “F” will be administratively replaced with grades of “W” to reflect non-attendance. 

• The last date of academic activity will be used to determine the effective withdrawal date. 

Refunds and Return of Financial Aid 

In accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Life University will issue a refund in alignment with the federal Return of Title IV Funds policy when a student officially withdraws on or before the 60% point of the academic term.  

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Overview 

Students receiving federal Title IV financial assistance are subject to a Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation upon withdrawal. This calculation determines: 

• The percentage of the quarter the student completed 

• The amount of federal aid earned 

• The amount of unearned aid that must be returned by both: 

• Life University, and 

• The student 

If a student withdraws after the 60% point of the quarter, no return of Title IV funds is required. Situations Where Return of Title IV Funds Is Not Required 

A Return of Title IV calculation is not required if the student: 

• Continues to attend at least one Title IV-eligible course; 

• Did not receive and is not eligible to receive any Title IV aid; 

• Never began attendance in any of their enrolled courses. 

Important Notes 

• Students are strongly encouraged to officially drop individual courses or fully withdraw through the Registrar’s Office if they are no longer attending. 

• Failure to follow the official withdrawal process may result in: 

• Unofficial withdrawal status 

• Full financial responsibility for returned aid 

• A balance due to the University 

6. Related Policies and References 

Federal Student Aid Handbook, https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook Volume 5 - Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds 

8. Review Cycle 

N/A 

9. Contact Information

Senior Director Student Admininstration and compliance