MSW Student Guide

University of Michigan School of Social Work · 2025–2026

Volume 1: Academic and Professional Policies

1.02 - Course Registration Policies

§1.02.07 · Leave from the MSW Program

activeschool policy

Academic Year 2025-2026 · Maintained by Office of Student Services

Policy details & cross-references
Section1.02.07
Volume1: Academic and Professional Policies
Effective2025-09-01
Last reviewed2025-09-01
Review cycleannual
Responsible bodyOffice of Student Services
Contactssw-adedpgm@umich.edu
SourceOfficial guide
Tags
registrationwithdrawalattendancefield-educationcurriculumfinancial-aidsupervisionevaluation
Related policies
Summary: MSW degree students must complete all requirements for the degree within four (4) years of first enrollment as a degree candidate in the University of Michigan School of Social. Students considering a leave should review all information included in volume 2, section 2.02 Master of Social Work Degree Requirements.

MSW degree students must complete all requirements for the degree within four (4) years of first enrollment as a degree candidate in the University of Michigan School of Social. Students considering a leave should review all information included in volume 2, section 2.02 Master of Social Work Degree Requirements.

Students in the MSW Program, who have successfully completed one term, may take a one-semester leave of absence from the program. During their leave they will not be enrolled in courses at UM. If a student needs to extend their leave into two or more consecutive semesters they will be required to re-apply to the MSW program following the procedures for "Previously Enrolled Students” (https://ssw.umich.edu/admissions/msw/apply#tab-169-5-re-application-toggle ).

In order to take a leave from the MSW program a student should complete the following steps:

  1. Meet with the on-campus program manager or online program manager to discuss how course withdrawal will impact their course completion schedule.

  2. Contact the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management (https://ssw.umich.edu/r/student-services-contacts ) to meet with the assistant dean for enrollment management or director for student services to discuss the withdrawal process, re-application requirements, and financial aid implications.

  3. Complete the Intent to Withdraw form (https://ssw.umich.edu/r/withdrawal-intent-form ) and submit it to the School of Social Work Registrar’s Office. This form will allow students to state their future plan for completing the MSW degree. Students should refer to volume 1, section 2.01 Withdrawing from All Classes before submitting the Intent to Withdraw form. If the drop/add deadline (https://ro.umich.edu/calendars ) for a semester is approaching a student should submit the Intent to Withdraw form prior to meeting with program officials.

  4. Students in field placement should notify their field faculty and field supervisor (at the earliest date possible) of their intent to withdraw.

[Please note: dual degree and Master's International Volunteer Program plans allow for students to have two or more consecutive terms where students are not enrolled in MSW courses. Students are only subject to re-application if they deviate from their program plan]