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Thinking of leaving USQ?

It may feel like a good idea at the moment, but there are alternatives to dropping out of university. Before you make a final decision, stop and consider the alternatives. You can save yourself a lot of emotional energy, time and money if you follow our advice.

Step 1Step One - Alternatives to dropping out

Alternatives  How and why 
Check if this is the right program for your career needs                      

Career planning can assist you to determine whether your lack of motivation or stress is related to being in the wrong program. Make an appointment to see a USQ Career Counsellor.

 

 

 
Improve your learning skills  Check out The Learning Centre for information about improving your study skills. This includes how to improve your ability to study, for example, taking notes, sitting exams, writing essays, and enhancing memory.

Learn how to control stress 

 

 

 

 Study can be a very challenging experience and sometimes your emotions can become out of control. Learn how to stay on top of stress, and make an appointment to see a Counsellor.
Talk to your lecturer  Your lecturers and tutors can be very supportive and helpful when it comes to study pressures.  Make contact with your faculty. 
Extend the due date of your assignments or exams  The university allows students who are experiencing difficult medical, personal, and employment problems to apply for extension of the dates of assessment. Make an appointment to see a counsellor. 
Take a short break     Taking a rest from study can really make a difference. Take a day off or do something completely different.
Consider flexible delivery Many of USQ courses are offered on-campus and by distance (online) education. You could study courses in a variety of modes to suit your personal circumstances. To ease the burden you could enrol in fewer courses during semester one or two and pick up one or two courses in semester 3 (summer). Make sure this fits with your Centrelink and visa conditions.
Reduce the number of courses your are studying The official full-time load is three or four courses per semester. You may have the option to take less courses, just remember that this may affect your Centrelink and visa conditions. If you are going to drop a course, also remember to do so before the last date to drop without penalty.
Take a long break Taking one or two semesters off from your study can be helpful if you need extra time to think about why you are studying or to catch up on other personal matters. You don't have to abandon you degree. You can apply to take a leave of absence.

Step 2Step two - Consider the implications of dropping out

Issue  Implications 
Fees  If you drop a course after the last date to drop without penalty, you will be liable for the fees.
Centrelink Status                                       If you are receiving a Centrelink payment, your status will probably change if you are no longer at university. Check the details otherwise you may end up with some financial hassles.
Academic record Plenty of students fail courses in the progress of achieving a degree. This is not something to celebrate, but it is not something to get depressed over either.
Pre-requisites Failing courses can disrupt the flow of your studies if those courses are pre-requisites. Maybe it would be worth trying to pass so that you can get the pre-requisites. Check the program and courses information to determine if your courses this semester are needed for entry into other courses.

Step 3Step three - getting advice and dropping out without incurring costs

Action  How and why 
Talk to the Head of Department It is always a good idea to talk with the academic staff in your Faculty. The Head of Department (HOD) is a good person to start with, and this is an opportunity to discuss re-entry into the program if that is part of your long-term plan. 
Talk to a career counsellor                           Changing educational plans is a natural part of career development. Talk to one of our career counsellors, together you may be able to develop a new career strategy. 
Drop courses  You will need to formally drop courses for the semester and if you have no intention of returning next semester you will need to discontinue your enrolment. If you do not drop the next semester's courses you will fail them and pay for them. You can always re-enrol in them if you return to study. 
Cancel enrolment You do have the opportunity to remain in your program for one academic year and not study any courses. You will be automatically sent enrolment information at the end of the year. However, if you have no intention of returning, it is a good idea to inform the University in writing that you want to cancel your enrolment. 
Inform Centrelink Immediately advise Centrelink of any changes to your status if you are registered with them.
Second hand books You may be able to sell your text books through the Student Guild.
Search for employment Start searching for work as soon as possible. You should register with Centrelink and talk to Careers and Employment about our employment services for students.