Readmission (for Former Graduate Students)

In order to optimize the chances for success upon re-entry, former students, particularly those who did not leave in good standing, must be prepared with a full understanding of academic policies, processes, and timelines:

• Thoroughly review policies and any documentation related to your withdrawal: 

  • Graduate Division's Guide to Graduate Policy D1.9 Readmission and Re-enrollment

  • If on an approved medical withdrawal: University Health Services (UHS) Medical Withdrawal

  • If you did not leave in Good Academic Standing: Review any relevant documentation (e.g., probation letter). 

  • If previously terminated from a practicum placement: Review the MSW Guide to Practicum Education Section D4 Early Termination of Placements and Potential Reassignment

• Coursework Schedules: Be mindful of remaining coursework requirements (e.g., SOCWEL 200), and note that courses are offered once a year. 

• MSW Program Practicum Availability: Site availability varies from year to year. Sites typically follow the academic calendar, which can make it difficult for a student to be placed mid-year. 

  • Practicum Course Availability:

    • SOCWEL 410A & 412A are typically offered in fall semesters only

    • SOCWEL 410B & 412B are typically offered in spring semesters only

• Former PhD Faculty Advisor or Dissertation Chair Availability: Similar to the admissions process, readmission depends on faculty availability and willingness to serve as an advisor. Further details about PhD readmission will be added soon.

• Curriculum Changes: The PhD or MSW program requirements may have changed since you were an active student. Review the Social Welfare Graduate Student Handbook & Guide

1. To apply for readmission, applicants must submit the Readmission Initiation Form by Deadline A to initiate the process. 

1. The Graduate Student Affairs Officer (GSAO) of the program will then review your former student file and consult with the Head Graduate Advisor(s) (HGAs) of the program to determine if additional application materials are required. 

2. The GSAO will send a follow-up email in 5-10 business days. This email will contain instructions for submitting your application materials, which must be submitted by Deadline B. After submission, the materials will be sent to the HGAs for review.

1. The GSAO may follow up and request additional details or materials. 

2. During peak advising and enrollment periods, there may be a slight delay in responses. 

3. The decision will be shared with the applicant no later than 60 days after Deadline B and submission of all required application materials.

All readmission applications must include:

• Applicants' name (including any previous names that may link to the former student's record), student ID (SID) number (or birthdate, if SID is unknown), and intended semester for re-enrollment, to be submitted through the Readmission Initiation Form by Deadline A;

• Any supporting information that can help the advisor understand their situation in the body of the email text;

• A 1-3 page (double-spaced) Statement of Purpose related to applicants’ request for readmission to the program, program goals should they be readmitted, and career goals. This document should be submitted as a PDF file;

1. Former students who left while on academic or progress probation must review and reference the contents of their probation letter when applying for readmission. The statement of purpose must address readiness to re-engage with the program and cite updates on specific concerns listed in the probation letter as appropriate.

2. If applying for readmission into the PhD program, specific instructions and details will be added to this webpage soon

Special Circumstances:

• If the applicant was not in good standing at the time of withdrawal, the applicant must also submit letter(s) of recommendation (up to 3 letters). 

1. Letters should come from supervisors or professors and are encouraged to address readiness to re-enroll in the program. 

2. Letters may be from original recommenders, but must be updated to include the time period since withdrawal from the program, and are also encouraged to address readiness to re-enroll in the program.