Leave of Absence & Return from Leave of Absence

To request a leave of absence, students should meet with their class dean to discuss the reasons for requesting a leave, goals for the leave, and the impact the leave may have on progress towards the degree. In some cases, the Associate Director of Student Support Case Management, the student's major advisor, and other staff and faculty members who work closely with and support the student’s undergraduate college experience may initiate the conversation and connect the student with their class dean. Students with F-1 visas must also notify the Director of International Student and Scholar Advising to update their immigration records and avoid compromising their eligibility to return to the United States. 

Once the decision to take a leave of absence has been made, the Undergraduate Dean's Office will file a Notice of Departure, noting the type of leave and the length of time the student anticipates being away with the understanding that the timetable could change. Once the Registrar processes the NOD, Student Accounts, Residential Life and Student Engagement, and Financial Aid will be notified that the student has gone on a leave. Leaves of absences last a minimum of one full semester away from the College. Please note that the College may alert parent(s) and guardian(s) when a student’s status changes from “enrolled” to “on leave.” 

If the leave begins mid-semester, the student’s class dean will work with the student to alert the Registrar and the student’s instructors. The transcript records all courses as “withdrawn.” The College may be able to refund some tuition and fees through the end of the eighth week. Students should reference the Refunds and Withdrawal website the College Withdrawal Policy and the Tuition Withdrawal Schedule. Students normally leave campus within a few days after deciding to take a mid-semester leave. It is important to note that any student on a voluntary leave of absence who visits campus is considered a “guest” of their hosts and is not eligible for College services that are designed for enrolled students. 

Students may decide to engage in coursework while away to pursue transfer credit. Students should refer to the Transfer Credit Policy on the Registrar's website and may consult with their class dean regarding any questions.

Students should do the following as they consider taking coursework at another institution for transfer credit:

• Review the expectations detailed in the Transfer Credit Policy.
• Review courses that are available at institutions local to the student's home that are of interest.
• Reach out to the instructors teaching those courses for a copy of the syllabus.
• Complete the Transfer Credit Approval Application form and wait for approval from the Registrar's office.
  • If the student is interested in getting a course from another institution applied to their major requirements, they should consult with their major advisors as well.
• Follow the procedures for the enrolling in courses at the other institution as a non-matriculated, guest, or continuing education student.
• Submit copies of the official transcripts to the Registrar's Office. 

Please note: Students are only allowed to take up to 2 courses per term while away for transfer credit. 

When a student is ready to resume their studies at the College, they will need to complete a return from leave of absence form and be approved to return. Please follow the instructions on the Return page.