The length of absence, as well as the circumstances of departure, will determine the necessary steps to return. Generally speaking, if a student's academic record has been discontinued in the student information system (Workday), they will need to complete the reentry process. 

Reentering, Returning 

Different reentry processes apply for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. For more detailed information, see the reentry policy in the current catalog.

Determine the status of your academic record

  • To determine if your academic record is active or discontinued, please visit your Academic profile within Workday and review your Overview page. 
    • If your program of study reflects as In-Progress, you do not need to reenter. 
    • If all of your previous programs of study show Discontinued, please apply for reentry following the appropriate instructions.
    • If you have never accessed your Workday student account, please apply for reentry.

Reinstatement

An undergraduate student who has been academically dismissed must complete reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. As long as you are returning as an undergraduate student, you simply need to complete a reentry form, even if you wish to change to a different major. The form is available at the top of this page.

No. Students who left Iowa State in good academic standing may use the reentry process. Students who were academically dismissed and absent from the university more than 12 months must also be reinstated. The reinstatement process applies to students who were dismissed from Iowa State for academic reasons.

Students reentering will be assessed the Records and Documents Fee unless it was previously assessed during a prior attendance at Iowa State. The Records and Documents fee will be assessed upon entry to the university for all new undergraduate, graduate, and professional students including new direct from high school, transfer, and reentry students). This fee will replace the transcript fee, schedule change fee, and application for graduation fee.

There is a different Records fee amount for degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.  Students will only be charged this fee once in their lifetime, with the exception of students who move from non-degree to degree-seeking. Additional Information can be found on the Glossary of Fees webpage.

You should contact the Office of the Registrar at 515-294-1840 or e-mail isuregistration@iastate.edu.

Questions?

For more information about returning, reentry, or reinstatement to Iowa State University, contact the Office of the Registrar.