In exceptional circumstances, students may apply to suspend their studies voluntarily for a year. Suspension is never an ideal option, but it exists to give students the best chance of completing their degrees when they face serious health or personal issues. Voluntary suspension normally lasts one year and takes effect from the beginning of one of the three terms in the year.
Voluntary suspension is different from involuntary suspension, which may be imposed as a sanction for a serious breach of discipline (“rustication”) or for other contractual reasons such as non-payment of fees. Involuntary suspension usually entails the loss of access to University libraries and services as well as a prohibition from entering College premises and using College facilities for the duration of the suspension.
An undergraduate who considers that voluntary suspension might be necessary, should discuss the matter with their Personal Tutor and with the Academic Registrar, who will then ask them to send her an email making a formal request for suspension of studies. Students may be asked to supply a supporting medical statement.
If permission is granted, the student must arrange to leave College as soon as possible; belongings may be placed in storage for collection later if it is impractical to remove them immediately.
While voluntarily suspended, a student’s email, single sign-on accounts, and University Card will be continued, as will their access to University Libraries and other University services, including the Counselling and Careers Services. However, students who have suspended are not permitted to use the College facilities or premises without express permission from a College Officer and may not hold office in JCR or participate in College sports or other activities. Although students are encouraged to stay in touch with the College and their tutors, they are not entitled to tuition.
A student granted permission to suspend before the end of 3rd Week will return to the course at the beginning of that term in the following year. A student suspending after 3rd Week will return at the beginning of the next term in the following year. No additional tuition fees will be due in either case, and students will only pay accommodation for the nights they are actually in residence. UK funding bodies can sometimes provide interim financial support:
Before returning from a suspension that has been granted on health grounds, students must provide a letter from their doctor or specialist confirming that they are well enough to return to full-time residence and study.
The University’s website gives more information about suspension:
www.ox.ac.uk/students/academic/guidance/undergraduate/status.
