An approved Leave of Absence is required for undergraduate students who wish to continue their original degree program, following original requirements (major program and all other requirements). Discontinuing enrollment for a semester or more without prior approval is not leave of absence. A maximum of two consecutive semesters of leave is awarded; after return from leave and completion of a semester or term, additional leave may be granted.
To qualify for a leave of absence, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or above on all institutional coursework completed. The three types of leave of absence are:
1. Personal Leave of Absence — For students who do not plan to take courses for one or two semesters for any reason (health, finances, etc.); submit Request for Leave of Absence form to the Office of the Registrar.
2. Study Leave of Absence — For students who plan to take courses (with prior written approval) at another college or university in the United States for one or two semesters; submit to the Office of the Registrar a Request for Leave of Absence form and a Permit to Study at another U.S. Institution form.
3. Study Abroad Leave of Absence — For students who plan to take courses in another country in a fully approved program; submit Request for Study Abroad Leave of Absence form to the Director of International Academic Services.
Student seeking a leave of absence must:
- Submit a Request for Leave of Absence prior to the beginning of the first semester of absence or at the time of withdrawal during a semester.
- Settle any outstanding debts or other obligations to the University.
- Inform the Office of the Registrar of changes in address and changes in plans.
- Students out for three semesters or less can participate in Advance Registration after meeting with their advisor. Students out more than three semesters must contact the Office of Admissions to re-enroll.
The University’s obligations regarding leaves of absence include:
- Allowing a student returning from a period of approved Leave of Absence to complete the degree program as originally begun if he/she re-enrolls at UMW within one semester after conclusion of two semesters of leave.
- Permitting a student returning from a period of approved Leave of Absence to register for classes during Advance Registration
- Providing information about registration for the semester of planned re-enrollment.
The Leave of Absence form must be submitted to request any leave of absence. The completed form can be faxed to the Office of the Registrar at 540-654-2145 or emailed to rstills@umw.edu. It must be received prior to the first day of class. Students on the Stafford campus should fax their forms to 540-286-8005 or send the form by email to to esanders@umw.edu.
Financial Aid. Students receiving any type of financial assistance for their attendance should clarify their status with the Office of Financial Aid before taking a Leave of Absence. Please call 540-654-2468 or visit Financial Aid.