Leave of absence policy

Effective this fall, undergrads missing semester required to take official leave of absence

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8:33 a.m., April 6, 2015--Effective this fall, the University of Delaware has announced that undergraduate students who plan to take a fall or spring semester off will be required to do so through an official leave of absence.

"Our goal is to remove much of the previous confusion around the processes for withdrawing or taking time off," said University Registrar Jeff Palmer.  "This new clear policy accompanied by succinct procedures enables us to more effectively meet the needs of UD students."

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Recognizing that students sometimes need to interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons, the University has adopted a leave of absence policy that permits undergraduates to miss one or two consecutive semesters with the approval of the assistant dean in the student’s college.

Students may seek a leave of absence to engage in activities related to educational objectives that would involve being away from the University, as well as work, financial or other personal reasons. 

Students should consult their academic assistant dean for additional information about an academic leave of absence. 

A matriculated undergraduate who needs to discontinue for medical reasons -- surgery, pregnancy, illness, rehabilitation and other health-related circumstances -- should request a medical leave of absence. Verification for the medical leave of absence must be presented to the Office of the Dean of Students when the application for leave is made. If a student cannot return to the University at the end of the medical leave, the office should be consulted. 

Likewise, a matriculated undergraduate who needs to discontinue studies due to military service should contact the Office of the Dean of Students to be put on a military leave of absence. 

Students should request a leave of absence before or during the registration period for the semester in which they plan to be away from the University by contacting their assistant dean.    

Students who are not registered for an approved leave of absence by the last day to register for the semester will have their matriculation discontinued. An application for readmission will be required in order to re-enroll as a degree-seeking student. Students accepted for readmission will be held to the degree requirements in place at the time of readmission.

The new policy, which reflects best practices at peer institutions, combines multiple leave of absence policies for undergraduates and closely parallels the existing leave of absence policy for graduate students. 

In addition to giving the University better information on enrollment, it provides an opportunity to improve student success and retention, since the policy requires students to meet with University personnel before taking time off. 

Requiring a declaration of intention to return also provides University administrators with information necessary to better predict enrollment.

FAQs

Following are answers to frequently asked questions about the leave of absence policy:

  • Who should I contact if I need to take a medical leave of absence? The Office of the Dean of Students.
  • Who should I contact once I decide I would like to take a non-medical leave of absence? The assistant dean of your college. 
  • When should I submit a request for a leave of absence? The request should be submitted during the registration period for the semester you will not be enrolled for University of Delaware classes.
  • How many semesters can I take a leave of absence for? You may take two consecutive semesters but you must apply for the leave of absence each semester separately.
  • I am an international student; may I take a leave of absence?   You should contact the Office for International Students and Scholars due to visa implications. 
  • Are there any financial aid implications of taking a leave of absence? You should contact Student Financial Services due to possible loan implications.
  • Can I retain my on-campus housing during an approved leave of absence? No.
  • I am on academic probation; can I still take a leave of absence? Yes. 
  • Do I need to request a leave of absence for winter/summer sessions? No.
  • I was neither enrolled nor on a leave of absence last semester but I want to enroll for next semester. What do I do? You would apply for readmission. Students who qualify for readmission will not be guaranteed admission to the program in which they previously matriculated.
  • I have other questions about taking a leave of absence or withdrawing for the semester. Who should I contact? You should contact the assistant dean of your college. 

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