Academic Services

A leave of absence (LOA) is an interruption in your enrollment with the intent to return to your studies at Brandeis at a later time. Any degree-seeking student may request a LOA for personal or health reasons, these are described in greater detail in the University Bulletin LOA Section. Students in good academic standing must be away for a minimum of one (1) full semester, while students on academic probation must be away for a minimum of two (2) full semesters. Summer semesters are not factored into the minimum required time away. Leaves of absence typically do not exceed four consecutive semesters.

A Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA) can be requested by undergraduate students who need time away from their studies to address personal matters unrelated to health.  Students should initiate a PLOA request prior to the first day of classes for a semester. 

A Health Leave of Absence (HLOA) can be requested by undergraduate students who are experiencing health challenges that prevent them from successfully participating in and completing academic responsibilities.  Students may initiate a HLOA at any point during a semester up to and including the last day of classes.

Students considering a leave of absence should review the Leave of Absence Policy Acknowledgement and seek guidance if needed.

Family/guardians listed in Workday will be notified of enrollment status changes, unless a student provides a written request within ten (10) business days of the leave effective date not to do so.

Initiating a Leave of Absence

To initiate a leave of absence from the University, undergraduate students should contact their Academic Services advisor and/or email leavesandreturns@brandeis.edu .  You will work with them to fill out the leave of absence request form in Workday and gather other documentation (if applicable) for submission. You will receive a copy of the Leave of Absence Policy Acknowledgement via Workday so that your leave of absence can be processed.

If you are enrolled in an active semester that you decide not to complete, you may initiate a leave of absence via your academic advisor at any point up to and including the last day of classes.  In this case, a “W” notation will be entered for each course you are enrolled in at the time to show that you did not complete the term. “W” notations do not have an impact on your GPA.

Returning to the University

Students on a leave of absence will receive a survey in September or January prior to the semester in which they are eligible to return, that will share dates, deadlines, and instructions for the process to return.  You may also request to resume your studies by sending an email to leavesandreturns@brandeis.edu or your Academic Services advisor.  You must express your intent to return by the deadlines indicated below.

    March 1 - Intended summer or fall semester return
    October 1 - Intended spring semester return

Upon receiving this request, Academic Services will review the return process, timeline and materials needed for the return process with you. All excused incomplete or excused absences on your transcript must be resolved before petitioning to return.

If you took a leave from the University in good academic standing between semesters, you can submit a request to return after one full semester away. You will be required to submit a 1-3 page written statement regarding your leave and why you feel ready to resume your studies. Your request to return will be reviewed by the Executive Council of the Committee on Academic Standing (EXCO), which typically meets weekly. Your Academic Services advisor will share the committee's decision with you via email.

If you took a leave from the University under any other circumstances (e.g. during an active semester, on academic probation, required leave), you should follow the instructions on the Checklist to Return from a Leave of Absence (document coming soon). You will be required to submit two letters of recommendation in addition to a 1-3 page written statement regarding your leave and why you feel ready to resume your studies. Your request to return will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing (COAS), which typically meets monthly. Your Academic Services advisor will share the committee's decision with you via email.

Students who took a Health Leave of Absence (HLOA) should submit follow up documentation when they request to return in order to ensure smooth lines of communication between your healthcare provider/s and the University and to support a successful transition back to full-time study at Brandeis.  Health documentation will be reviewed by the Brandeis Health and/or Counseling Center.  The Health Exceptions Review Committee will also discuss what campus resources may best support the student with their transition back to campus.  Academic Services will inform the student of all relevant Health Exceptions Review Committee deadlines.

If you took courses elsewhere during a leave, you should submit official transcripts or provisional grades, as appropriate to the Registrar’s Office (transfer@brandeis.edu).

In certain circumstances, students may be required to take time away from the University for academic reasons. At the end of each semester, the Committee on Academic Standing (COAS) reviews student academic progress. Students found to be making insufficient progress toward their degree may be required to take a one year leave of absence by the Committee. When this is the case, students and their families will be notified in writing by Academic Services.

In addition, the University Bulletin outlines additional reasons why a students may be required to take a leave of absence.

Voluntary Withdrawal

If you plan to leave Brandeis without the intention to return, you may initiate a voluntary withdrawal. Students can do so by emailing leavesandreturns@brandeis.edu and/or their academic services advisor.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students on a leave of absence who do not communicate their intent to return after two consecutive years away will have their status converted to an administrative withdrawal.