Students may encounter non-medical circumstances, including, but not limited to, personal or family issues, bereavement, or military leave, that require them to take time away from the College. In those situations, students can request a personal leave of absence (LOA). Students are encouraged to discuss their request with someone in the Institute for Student Success.
A LOA may impact financial aid, student accounts or academic progress, so students considering a LOA are required to consult with Student Financial Services and their academic adviser to verify impact. For more information, please review the Separation Policy. For international students, a LOA may impact visa status, so international students considering a LOA are required to consult with International Student Services. Students on academic probation are eligible to request a LOA, and their academic status will remain in effect upon their return.
The Exit Process
Students interested in a LOA must submit a Request for Leave of Absence.
The Institute for Student Success will review and make a determination whether to grant the student’s request for a LOA. The decision whether to grant the LOA will be communicated to the student in writing. Students should be prepared to move-out of residential housing, typically within 24 hours of the LOA being approved. Students are not permitted to reside on-campus during a LOA and are generally not permitted to utilize campus facilities or services. Students are also not permitted to be an overnight guest or attend registered events during a LOA. Exceptions can be made by request from the Dean of Students.
Returning from a LOA
Students interested in returning to the College from a LOA must submit the Request to Return to Active Status at least one month prior to the anticipated semester for return. This ensures sufficient time to complete the process. A student may request early return from a LOA, or, conversely, an extension of the LOA, and may also request a change in the conditions for return or conditions for continued enrollment, if applicable. Students whose requests are denied may petition again in the event of a change of circumstances, and/or at any subsequent review period, and may also appeal, by submitting an appeal letter in writing to the Dean of Students within 7 business days of receiving notice of the negative decision. Appeals may be requested based only on one or both of the following grounds:
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College procedures were not followed, and the deviance would substantially alter the decision; and/or
- New relevant evidence was not reasonably available at the time of the decision and would substantially alter the decision.
administrative withdrawal
In circumstances where the College receives no communication from a student, for a full academic year, requesting to return from a LOA, the College may administratively withdrawal the student, at which point the student, should they wish to return to Ursinus College, would need to reapply.