I need more clarification on the OSAP "satisfactory academic standing" eligibility. On the website it says that in order to be eligible for OSAP, you have to pass at least 60% (1.5 units) of your courses each term that you are receiving funding as a full-time student. However, one can pass 60% of their courses each term, but still be put on academic probation or an involuntary withdrawal by their university (not because of how many courses they’ve passed, but because their GPA has dipped too low). Does an involuntary withdrawal, or repeating a term mean that you are no longer eligible for OSAP? Although typically, I should contact a financial aid office about this query, but since I am abroad and cannot contact them through e-mail I was wondering if anyone has any first-hand knowledge of this. It’s merely an inquiry however – I’m guessing OSAP funding is only affected if you involuntarily or voluntarily withdraw from your studies for a specified amount of time/months, until you resume them again. However, in the case of an involuntary withdrawal due to a bad GPA, would OSAP still consider you in the future even if you are re-admitted by your university?

If anyone knows otherwise, any information would be great! Thank you for your clarification.

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Environmental Studies & Resource Management, Earth Science
University of Waterloo '11

There are two forms of withdrawal,
you can find out more on your university website
Typically, however, voluntary withdrawal is when the student him/herself decides to drop out of university (for a specified amount of time, say one term) due to financial, or personal issues. In order to do this, the student must have a substantial excuse for not wanting to attend university for some time, and have it approved. Involuntary withdrawal is when the university forces the student to drop out of university - also for a specified amount of time, usually a minimum of two terms (or 8 months) if the student is not performing well i.e. usually if their GPA drops below 65%. After an absence of two terms, the student can apply for re-admission, and depending upon the popularity or seats of the program, they are allowed to attend university again.
Before the involuntary withdrawal occurs, the student is put on academic probation after the term in which they have not performed well, so they have the next term to improve their marks. If they do not, the university forces you to leave for some time, unless you have a strong reason backing up your unsatisfactory academic standing. Hope this clears stuff up!

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Environmental Studies & Resource Management, Earth Science
University of Waterloo '11

But if you've got a low GPA, you're volunteering yourself to be kicked out. I figured involuntary would be getting kicked out because of the university closing, or something major. If you're keeping your grades low, you're volunteering yourself to be kicked out. At least that's how I see it

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Carleton University Class of 2012, Honours Bachelor of Arts