Undergraduate students that faced extenuating circumstances that compromised their ability to fulfill academic responsibilities, such as attending classes or completing coursework, for an extended period within a previous semester, may seek academic relief. Broadly, a student may be eligible for academic relief with a recommendation from an approrpiate campus student support entity, such as the Dean of Students Office, Cook Counseling Center, Schiffert Health Center, Services for Students with Disabilities and the Office for Equity and Accessibility, to support the student's need for relief.

Academic Relief typically entails a complete withdrawal from all courses in a previously completed semester, with these courses being indicated on the transcript as "WP" (withdrawal, exception).

Academic Relief requests must be initiated in the student's current college. The process of applying for academic relief and the review procedure consists of several steps and multiple stages of approval. Studnets should expect this process to take several weeks to complete and receive a decision. .

  1. Students interested in applying for academic relief should schedule an appointment with Katie Cross, Director of Advising for Population Health Sciences. Students can schedule a meeting using Navigate. Please note Academic Relief in the comments. Students may have to schedule an "explore public health" meeting to gain acess to a meeting.
  2. During your meeting with the Director of Advising, information about the required steps and necessary documentation will be shared.  If you have met with an outside mental health provider, please comlete the Outside Mental Health Provider Information Form.
  3. Students will apply for academic relief through the online portal and can check the access of their request by accessing the online portal. 
  4. Your formal review will be sent to your Academic Dean for initial review and comments.
  5. Your request will be reviewed by the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid (USFA) and Cranwell International Center as needed to provide comments regarding the impacts this may have on financial aid and/or international student status.
  6. Your request will be reviewed by the student support entity you selected within the online portal to provide comments. 
  7. The Academic Relief Committee evaluates the request, considering the camppus entity's recommendations and arrives at a decision. 
  8. Any applicable record changes will be processed by the Office of the University Registrar.
  9. A final outcome notification will be sent via email to your Virginia Tech email address.
  10. Please Note: Applying for Academic Relief does not guarantee it will be granted and could affect Financial Aid, On-campus Housing, and the ability to attend Virginia Tech in future semesters for recovery purposes.