If students in academic and disciplinary good standing wish to place studies on hold for one or more semesters to pursue opportunities incompatible with full-time student status, they may be eligible for a leave of absence. A leave of absence is a pre-planned specified time away from academic study and students should have an articulable plan for their time away.

Our DU Cares team is here to assist students through every step of a leave of absence process, from the point of considering a potential leave and along the pathway back to Denison. Our DU Cares team can help advise students on the leave process, talk through types of needed documentation, and connect students with important university partners. As always, we welcome outreach by email (ducares@denison.edu), phone (740-587-6765), and/or in-person (121 Higley Hall).

Eligibility

A student is eligible for a leave of absence when the following conditions have been met:

  • The student is in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • The student has secured an alternative opportunity that is incompatible with enrollment as a full-time student or otherwise has a plan compatible with a successful return to Denison University.
  • The student’s request is completed prior to the deadline for the intended semester of leave.
  • The student has appropriate documentation, to be determined on a case-by-case basis, substantiating their plan for their time of leave. Such documentation may not be from a family member. Students are invited to connect with DU Cares staff to talk through all the various forms of accepted documentation. The intention of gathering documentation is to help verify and document the specific experience, not to be a roadblock for students interested in a leave. DU Cares staff will happily work with students to make sure appropriate documentation can be gathered. 

A leave of absence must be arranged before the start of the term in which it will be taken. Deadline dates are as follows, and all documentation must be received by 4:30 p.m. in accordance with the schedule below.

  • A fall semester leave: July 1
  • A spring semester leave: November 1

Students seeking time away due to unexpected or exceptional circumstances that arise after the start of a semester should seek a hardship or medical withdrawal.

How to request a leave of absence

Students must submit the request form online. As part of the request, students must include:

  • A personal statement that addresses why they are seeking a leave of absence, describes their plans for time spent away from campus, and provides their planned timeline for return.
  • Third-party documentation regarding the reason for the leave of absence request. Documentation will vary based on the nature of the student’s situation but may not be provided by a parent or family member. Please consult with DU Cares for any documentation-related questions.
  • Grant permission for Student Life to consult with relevant Denison departments necessary for processing the leave of absence request.

Upon receipt of a complete leave of absence request, DU Cares staff will review and determine if the request meets the eligibility criteria. DU Cares staff may request additional information from the student and/or to meet with the student when needed to help inform a decision and best support the student. 

If the request is approved

  • A member of the DU Cares staff will provide the student with notification of the decision by email and using their official Denison University email address.
  • The notification will include the effective date of withdrawal, any applicable conditions for return, and information about the return process, including deadlines.
  • The student will have five business days to confirm in writing that they wish to proceed with the withdrawal.

If the request is denied

  • A member of the DU Cares staff will provide the student with notification of the decision by email and using their official Denison University email address.
  • The notification will include a rationale for the denial and information about the appeal process.

If students do not return within the designated timeline without an approved extension, the withdrawal will convert to a general withdrawal and students will have to reapply for admission to Denison University.