Leave of Absence
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Students taking a leave of absence from the University for one or more semesters to a maximum of three semesters, beginning when courses were last attempted, must complete the formal approval process. Applications may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office and the process should be completed before leaving the University. Students should meet with a representative from the Financial Aid Office prior to filing for a leave of absence.
Purpose
In granting leaves of absence, Woodbury University recognizes the occasional need of our students to interrupt their academic work for a period of time. A leave of absence allows a Woodbury student to return to his or her studies after the leave without reapplying to the University. Specific reasons for leaves of absence vary, as do lengths of time granted for leaves. Woodbury University policy is designed to meet these varying needs and provide opportunities for students to discuss with a University representative the implications and responsibilities pertaining to a leave of absence.
Application Procedure
All students interested in applying for leaves of absence should complete an application form available from the Office of Student Affairs or the Registrar’s Office. The form asks for the duration of the leave, the plans for the period of the leave, and a written statement detailing why the leave is requested. The completed application must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for final approval. The application form and the written statement will be kept as part of the student’s record. It is strongly recommended that students consult with an academic advisor to fully understand any impacts to their academic program.
Time of Absence
A leave of absence may extend up to three semesters, excluding summer sessions. Requests for leaves of absence (or for leave extensions) should normally be made before the end of the preceding semester. Requests for immediate leaves of absence (starting while classes are still in session) may be submitted under exceptional circumstances.
University Fees
Students taking leaves of absence from the University shall be subject to the same refund policy as withdrawing students. Students planning leaves of absence are responsible for making all arrangements with regard to financial aid directly with the Financial Aid Office and for meeting all necessary financial aid deadlines. It is essential that students meet with representatives from the Financial Aid Office to preserve their financial aid while on leave. In addition, students planning leaves of absence are responsible for meeting all financial obligations and deadlines with the University. Students should plan to meet with representatives of the Business Office to discuss all financial aspects of their leaves.
Extensions of Leave
Woodbury University does not usually approve leaves of more than three semesters, and requests to extend leaves beyond the third semester will only be approved under exceptional circumstances. Requests for extension of a leave must be made in writing to the Registrar’s Office for consideration by the Faculty Academic Policy Appeals Committee.
Return to the University
If no restrictions have been placed on a leave of absence, a student may return to the University after the period of leave without applying for readmission. Most leaves of absence have no restrictions, but in certain special cases, restrictions may exist. If a student takes a leave and is later deemed by the appropriate academic body to have
performed unsatisfactory work before the leave, a return to Woodbury University may be subject to approval by that body, or the leave may be revoked. The Dean of Students may designate a leave as “medical” and may require a doctor’s recommendation before the student’s return is approved. A student on leave is accountable to the behavior standards outlined in this handbook as well as in the student handbook.
Failure to Return After a Leave
A student who does not return at the end of a leave, and has not requested an extension, is considered withdrawn from the University and out of status. If a student later wishes to return to the University, an application for re-admission must be presented to the Office of Admissions. At that time, the student will be admitted under the most recent handbook, not the handbook of original matriculation.
Leaves of Absence and Readmission
Students remain in active status for three semesters while on leaves of absence. If not re-enrolled by the fourth semester (excluding summer sessions), a student must apply for readmission.
NOTE: Former students who are re-admitted after falling out of status will matriculate under the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.
INVOLUNTARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY
Please refer to the Woodbury University Student Handbook for more information about this policy.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE - ADDITONAL GUIDANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Consult with your International Student Advisor to discuss the immigration impact when you are considering taking a personal leave, a medical leave, withdrawing from your program or are being asked by your program to take a leave.
Personal/Voluntary Leave and Involuntary Leave
If you choose to take a leave for personal reasons or if you are asked by your school to take a leave, you are not permitted to remain in the U.S. in F-1 student status during your leave. Your International Student Advisor is required to terminate your F-1 status in SEVIS within 15 days of your official leave. To return from a leave, you must request a new initial I-20, pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a new F-1 visa if needed.
Medical Leave
As an F-1 student, if you receive permission for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) due to medical reasons, you are permitted to keep your F-1 status active and remain legally in the U.S. Only twelve months of medical leave or reduced course load is allowed. Your International Student Advisor can only authorize this type of leave for one semester at a time and a letter from a Medical Doctor is required.