LOA Research

Owned by Denise Kidd
Last updated: Nov 19, 2024
3 min read

Advice

AACRAO advice

Peer Research

Reviewed all G14 schools: Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, George Washington University, Lehigh University, New York University, Northeastern University, Southern Methodist University, Syracuse University, Tufts University, Tulane University, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, and Wake Forest University.

Boston College

URLs

UG policy - web

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/sites/academic-advising-center/academic-policies.html

Continuing Studies policy - web

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/wcas/sites/information-for/current-students/woods-college-forms.html#tab-undergraduate

Liberal Arts GR policy - web

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/sites/current-graduate-students/policies-and-procedures.html

UG policy - catalog

https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/academics/sites/university-catalog/policies-procedures/undergraduate-academic-regulations.html#tab-leave_of_absence

GR policy - catalog

Varies by school - generally, students are only allowed 2 semesters of leave, but it is not clear if students are required to reapply after 3 semesters.

Notes

UG policy doesn’t mention reporting, financial aid implications, or RT4, catalog year.

Continuing Studies school indicates reapplication after 5 years.

Summary

  • Leave of Absence (LOA) Policies: Students can request an LOA for various reasons, such as medical or personal issues. The policies differ between undergraduate and graduate programs but generally require an official form and approval from the relevant academic dean or advising office. Additional details about the impact on enrollment status and financial obligations are available in BC's policies and procedures sections​

    Boston College

    Boston College

  • Forms for Academic Requests: Specific forms for LOAs, course approvals, internal transfers, and readmission are accessible through the Office of Student Services or relevant advising centers, depending on the program. These forms may vary by school within BC, like the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences or the Woods College of Advancing Studies​

    Boston College

    Boston College

  • Graduate and Undergraduate Differences: Policies and procedures tailored to graduate and undergraduate students are listed under the university's catalog and advising resources. Graduate students should refer to their respective graduate program's policies, as seen in the Morrissey College graduate policies section​

    Boston College

Boston University

University Service Center

https://www.bu.edu/usc/leaveandwithdrawal/

Arranging a leave of absence (in advance)

https://www.bu.edu/usc/leaveandwithdrawal/arranging/

Mentions loan repayment

Arranging for Fall 2024

https://www.bu.edu/usc/arranging-a-leave-of-absence-or-withdrawal-for-fall-2024/

Arranging for Spring 2025

https://www.bu.edu/usc/arranging-a-leave-of-absence-or-withdrawal-for-spring-2025/

Arranging a mid-semester leave

https://www.bu.edu/usc/leaveandwithdrawal/midsemesterleaves/

Mentions loan repayment

Planning your return

https://www.bu.edu/usc/leaveandwithdrawal/returning/

Catalog policy

https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement/

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences policy

https://www.bu.edu/academics/grs/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement/

Includes childbirth accommodation

LOA guide

https://www.bu.edu/files/2021/04/LG_BU_AbsenceGUIDE_StudentManualV2.pdf

Summary

Types of Leaves and Withdrawals

  1. Medical Leave of Absence:

    • Designed for students facing health challenges that prevent academic participation.

    • Requires documentation and review by Student Health Services (SHS). SHS determines re-enrollment eligibility through assessments and medical provider documentation.

    • BU may initiate involuntary medical leave if a student poses a health or safety risk​

      Boston University

      Boston University

  2. Non-Medical Leave of Absence:

    • Applies to personal or academic needs unrelated to health.

    • Initiated through the University Service Center (USC) or Graduate Affairs. International students must consult ISSO to understand visa implications​

      Boston University

      Boston University

  3. Mid-Semester Leave:

    • Possible under extenuating circumstances but may involve prorated tuition refunds and adjustments to academic records. Students must coordinate with instructors regarding coursework​

      Boston University

  4. Withdrawals:

    • Permanent separation from the university. Requires submission of a Withdrawal Form and consultation with advisors or Graduate Affairs​

      Boston University

      ​Boston University

Process and Timing

  1. Before Semester Start:

    • Contact advisors or Graduate Affairs to complete forms, specifying the reason for the LOA or withdrawal.

    • Approved requests avoid tuition and enrollment-related penalties​

      Boston University

      Boston University

  2. Mid-Semester Arrangements:

    • Notify the USC or Graduate Affairs promptly.

    • Follow the tuition refund schedule, which determines financial obligations based on the withdrawal timing​

      Boston University

  3. Forms and Documentation:

    • Available on BU’s Registrar’s website.

    • Include personal identification, reasons, and supporting documentation, especially for medical leaves​

      Boston University

Impact of Leave

  1. Health Insurance:

    • Coverage under BU’s plan is canceled if a fall LOA is arranged early in the insurance period. Students re-enrolling after an LOA may reapply for coverage​

      Boston University

  2. Access to University Resources:

    • During an LOA, students lose access to campus services (e.g., fitness center, library). Email and MyBU Portal remain active during the leave but may expire after permanent withdrawal​

      Boston University

  3. International Students:

Returning from Leave

  1. Checklist for Reinstatement:

    • Students must apply for re-enrollment and provide any required documentation (e.g., health clearances for medical leaves)​

      Boston University

      Boston University

    • Deadlines and processes vary between undergraduate and graduate programs​

      Boston University

      ademic and Financial Planning**:

    • Returning students should consult advisors to align coursework and address financial aid impacts.

Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for College Students

The "Taking a Leave of Absence" guide for college students is a comprehensive resource designed to support students considering or navigating a break from their studies. Key details include:

Understanding a Leave of Absence

  • Types: Personal, medical, academic, or disciplinary.

  • Reasons: Health challenges, family obligations, or academic pressures.

  • Emotions: Offers tools to identify feelings like fear or shame and strategies for coping.

PACE Framework

  • People: Maintain relationships and build support networks.

  • Academics: Keep skills sharp through part-time classes or alternative learning.

  • Care: Focus on wellness, therapy, or group support.

  • Engagement: Stay involved in meaningful activities.

Resources and Tools

  • Checklists: For decision-making, communicating with advisors, and tracking wellness.

  • Skills Development: Suggestions for improving time management, memory, or organization.

  • Planning a Return: Assess readiness, prepare documentation, and map out logistics like housing, finances, and course enrollment.

Returning to School

  • Transition Planning: Balance part-time or full-time re-enrollment with wellness.

  • Indicators of Readiness: Evaluate emotional and academic preparedness.

  • Support: Utilize disability services, advisors, and health resources.

The guide emphasizes personalizing the leave and return process, encouraging students to prioritize wellness while exploring their academic and life goals.

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