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How do I take an official leave of absence or withdrawal?

If a Day student does not plan on taking classes in the Fall or Spring semester, then the student must take a leave of absence. Students are allowed to take up to two semesters of leave. All Day students interested in taking a leave of absence must visit Academic Advising in the Center for Academic Excellence located in the Berry Library on the first floor. 

Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS), also known as Evening students, are not required to take a leave of absence unless they are financial aid recipients.

Graduate students must contact the School of Graduate Studies and complete the appropriate paperwork.

After visiting Academic Advising or the School of Graduate Studies, students must file their Leave of Absence forms with the Student Navigation Center

CPS and graduate students who withdraw from all classes but do not fill out leave paperwork will be placed on an administrative leave of absence for the remainder of the semester.

If the student takes a leave of absence after the Add/Drop period ends, they will receive W grades for all classes as long as the last withdrawal day has not passed. The last day for withdrawals is posted on the Academic Calendar for the term and generally falls in November for the fall semester and April for the spring term. For specific dates, please consult the Academic Calendar. 

Please note that the standard refund policy of the university applies to students taking a leave of absence. Leaves initiated after the Add/Drop period has ended will result in financial obligations to the university. In addition, financial aid guidelines require that state and federal aid be adjusted when students stop attending classes, which may result in a balance due to the university.

Before taking a leave of absence, it is strongly recommended that students review their financial aid and bill to understand the ramifications of taking a leave. Students who do not reenroll within six months of taking a leave of absence may lose their federal Direct Loan grace period.

Day students who do not return from a leave of absence will be administratively withdrawn from the university. Students on a leave of absence must contact their faculty advisors at the normal advising time when planning to enroll in a future semester.

Do You Need More Help?

Academic Advising
Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4:30 pm
Walk-In Service: Frederick E. Berry Library, Learning Commons, first floor, North Campus