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The traditional approach to college education (four consecutive years of study directly following high school and interrupted only by summer vacations) is by no means best for every student. There is a clear distinction between education and schooling: the former need not take place in a classroom and sometimes includes learning experiences as valuable to the student as any available at the University. Students sometimes decide to leave the University for a time to work, pursue studies elsewhere or manage long-term health or family problems.
Recognizing this, advisors in the College are prepared to speak with students about leave of absence options.
Leave of Absence
Students considering requesting a leave of absence should speak with an advisor in the College
Office and keep the following in mind:
- • Discontinuance of study without permission from the University does not constitute a leave of absence.
- • Students must complete a form officially requesting the leave of absence.
(Written parental approval is required for students under
17 years of age.)
- • If a student requests a leave after the beginning of the semester, the normal drop and withdrawal deadlines apply.
- • Students who request and receive a leave of absence after the first five weeks of the semester will receive the notation of W (withdrawal) after each course on their transcript.
- • Students who request and receive a leave of absence after the 10th week of the semester
will not be allowed to return to the University in the subsequent semester.
- • A leave of absence beyond the 10th week of the semester will only be granted under
extremely extenuating circumstances.
- • Leaves of absence will normally be granted for a period of up to one year.
In unusual circumstances and at the written request of the student, such leaves
may be extended for no longer than one additional year.
- • Students who remain on leave longer than two years and who do not respond to
the University's attempts to contact them may be withdrawn from active status.
- • When a student wishes to return from a leave of absence, he or she must submit a written request to return at least one month prior to the start of the desired term (August 1 for the fall term, December 1 for the spring term). Students on medical leave may be required to obtain clearance from a physician or other medical practitioner before final approval is granted.
There are three categories of leaves:
Personal
Students deciding to leave the University for a time to work, to study elsewhere or to pursue other personal goals. Read more
Medical
Students with a medical situation that will temporarily interfere with their studies. Read more
Mandatory
Students who accumulate two or more incomplete grades in a given semester may be required to take a leave in order to finish outstanding work. Read more