Leave of Absence / Time Away from the University
A leave of absence (herein LOA) is defined as an interruption in a student’s enrollment with the intent to return to their studies at Brandeis at a later time. Any degree-seeking student may request an LOA for a number of personal or health reasons, and these are described in greater detail below. An LOA requires an application to begin and return from a leave.
Undergraduate students wishing to request an LOA should contact their assigned Academic Services advisor and work with them to fill out the Time Away Intent Form found on the Academic Services website.
Students considering an LOA should be aware of the following:
- Taking an LOA may have implications for a student’s academic record, financial aid, medical insurance coverage, housing and/or visa status. Please review the Leave of Absence Acknowledgement Form to learn more about how a leave will impact your student enrollment status.
- The amount of time students take for a leave of absence will vary. Leaves of absence typically may not exceed four consecutive semesters.
- During an LOA, students may earn academic credit toward their Brandeis degree. Please see the transfer credit policy for credit while on leave for details.
- The refund policy applies to all students requesting an LOA.
- Students and their parents/legal guardians listed in Workday will be notified in writing of enrollment status changes.
- Petitions to return from a leave of absence for fall semester must be received no later than March 1 and petitions to return for spring semester must be received no later than October 1.
Students may request a leave of absence for the following reasons:
Personal Leave of Absence
A Personal Leave of Absence (herein PLOA) can be requested by undergraduate students who need time away from their studies to address personal matters unrelated to health. A personal leave allows students to step away from their academic obligations to focus on personal responsibilities or opportunities including but not limited to religious obligations, care of a family member, or pursuit of a volunteer, internship, or other academic opportunity. Undergraduate students should initiate a PLOA request prior to the first day of classes.
Leave for Military Service (domestic and international)
The university supports students called to active military service both internationally and domestically.
Pregnancy Accommodation
Brandeis University is committed to supporting pregnant and parenting students. The University acknowledges that pregnancy, breastfeeding, lactation, and parental status are protected under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., and other applicable state and federal laws. Under this Policy, there are different stages of pregnancy during which the University can provide support and accommodations.
- While a student is pregnant, they may require certain accommodations to allow them to continue to participate in University programs and activities. These accommodations relate to medical needs or complications associated with the pregnancy.
Health Leave of Absence
A Health Leave of Absence (herein HLOA) can be requested by undergraduate students who are experiencing health challenges that prevent them from successfully participating in and completing academic responsibilities. An HLOA requires application, supporting documentation, and approval to both begin and return from leave. Students may request an HLOA up to and including the last day of instruction.
Involuntary Health Leave of Absence
In rare circumstances, Brandeis University may require a student to take a Health Leave of Absence. This is an involuntary leave from the university due to the impact of a student’s physical or mental health needs on their ability to safely continue in the university environment.
The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee (hereinafter “AVP”) may make this determination based on available medical information and/or objective evidence indicating:
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the student has engaged or threatened to engage in behavior that poses a significant risk to the student’s health or safety or the health or safety of others; or
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the student’s behavior significantly disrupts the University environment.
No student will be required to take a Health Leave of Absence without an individualized assessment and consideration of reasonable modifications or accommodations which, if accepted by the student, would be expected to enable the student to participate in campus life. The student will be given the option to voluntarily take a Health Leave of Absence before a decision is made requiring a student to take a Health Leave of Absence.
The decision to require a Health Leave of Absence will be made by the AVP. The AVP will consider information provided by the student and documentation and recommendations from medical professionals, academic colleagues, and relevant campus partners using an individualized approach free of mere speculation, generalizations, and stereotypes. The decision to require a Health Leave of Absence will be provided to the student in writing and will explain the rationale supporting the decision, the details of the leave, and any conditions the student is expected to satisfy prior to requesting to return.
A student who disagrees with the University’s decision to require a Health Leave of Absence may submit an appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs or their designee (hereinafter “VPSA”), but the leave decision will remain in effect while the appeal is pending. The VPSA must receive the appeal within seven (7) business days of the decision to require leave, unless the VPSA agrees to accept a late review request due to extenuating circumstances. The student must make the request in writing and include detailed information describing the rationale for the request to overturn or modify the leave decision. The VPSA may meet with the student if deemed appropriate, review all pertinent materials associated with the leave decision, and consult with others who may have useful information. The VPSA may affirm, overturn, or modify the leave decision within ten working days from the date of receipt of the request, although this period may be extended due to staff availability or unusual circumstances. The VPSA’s decision will be communicated to the student in writing and shall be final.
Administrative/Required Leave of Absence
An administrative leave of absence is a required LOA imposed collaboratively and in the best interest of the student. Reasons for such an action include but are not limited to:
- Student has not met their financial obligations to the University
- Student has not checked in by the end of registration for the academic semester (usually by day 10 of instruction)
- Student has not maintained or made sufficient academic progress (as determined by COAS)
Returning from Leave of Absence
When undergraduate students are ready to return they should be in contact with their Academic Services advisor to learn about deadlines and paperwork necessary to do so. Students should make sure they have cleared any academic, financial, or disciplinary matters that may have an impact on their status prior to requesting to return.
For support with the undergraduate leave of absence process, including times and return process please visit the Time Away from the University website and/or email leavesandreturns@brandeis.edu.