The process of returning from a leave of absence is almost identical to the process students would have engaged to request a leave by way of the process and needed documentation. As the other bookend to the leave process, rather than articulating why a student took some time away from their academic and co-curricular pursuits at Denison, the return process seeks to gather information detailing how that experience impacted the student and will aid in their future pursuits at Denison.

How to return from a leave of absence

Students initiate the request to return by completing the request to return from a leave of absence form. For a student’s request to be considered, the student must provide:

  • A personal statement that describes their time spent away from campus and how it aligns or not with their intended plans as specified during their leave process.
  • Relevant third-party documentation attesting to their activities while on a leave of absence. 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 returning from a leave. DU Cares staff will happily work with students to make sure appropriate documentation can be gathered.
  • A completed Student Financial Responsibility Agreement. Students need to complete the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement by reviewing the agreement in its entirety and then physically signing the document indicating they understand the financial expectations.
  • Submit all materials by the deadline: July 1 for a fall semester return and November 1 for a spring semester return. Please note that weekends/holidays do not alter the deadlines.

Upon receipt of a complete request to return from a leave of absence

  • DU Cares staff will review and determine if the materials provided support the student’s return to Denison at that time.
  • Generally, if a student completes their planned activities and returns on their identified timeline, and absent disciplinary or criminal action, their return will be permitted.

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 decision, suggested campus resources, the day/time of a transition meeting with DU Cares staff, the name/contact information for the student’s academic advisor, and information about any additional steps, of which DU Cares is aware, that the student must complete before returning.

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.