For first-year students, the February 1st arrangement offers an important option. Students who deregister before the 1st of February may restart the same degree programme in the following academic year.
This can be relevant if, for example, their Binding Recommendation on continuation of Studies (BSA) is likely to be negative and postponement of the BSA is not possible due to a lack of recognized circumstances.
Are you a lecturer or mentor receiving questions about this? Refer students to the appropriate support services. The academic advisor provides programme-specific and practical guidance, the student counsellor can advise on financial consequences and the student psychological counsellor offers support with the mental aspects of this process. The Student Desk also plays an important role.
In all cases, it is essential that personal circumstances are reported to the academic advisor in a timely manner. The earlier a student is on their radar, the better. As a lecturer, you can highlight this to students, either in group settings or when a student shares concerns that may affect their study progress.
Want to know more? Further information on deregistration and the BSA procedure per faculty is available on the VU website.