Undergraduate matriculated students may interrupt continuous enrollment by electing to take a leave of absence from the university for medical or personal reasons, to pursue a program of study at another institution, or to engage in other off-campus educational experiences without severing their connection with the University of New Haven through the withdrawal process. Before taking a leave of absence, students are encouraged to discuss their particular situation with an academic advisor, the dean of their school, an academic skills counselor in the Office of Academic Services, or a counselor in the Counseling Center.
The policies regarding leaves of absence are:
- All noninternational students must file for a leave of absence through the Registrar's Office or the Office of Academic Services; international students must initiate the leave of absence through the International Student Services Office.
- Students who are on university disciplinary probation are not eligible for a leave of absence.
- A student who has been dropped or dismissed from the university for disciplinary or academic reasons is not eligible for a leave of absence until properly reinstated.
- A student who has withdrawn as a degree candidate is not eligible for a leave of absence. If a student withdraws while on leave of absence, the leave is invalidated.
- Leaves of absence are not required or granted for intersession or summer terms.
- Normally, leaves are not approved for a period longer than two semesters. Under special extraordinary circumstances, usually medical in nature, a leave of absence may be approved for a maximum of four semesters or two years.
- If a student wishes to return later than the semester originally stated on the leave of absence form, they must apply through the Registrar's Office for an extension of the leave of absence not to exceed the maximum period as outlined above.
- A student who plans to enroll in coursework at another accredited institution during a leave of absence should review program plans with his or her academic advisor to verify eligibility for receiving credit at the University of New Haven.
- Taking a leave of absence may affect a student's financial aid. All students receiving financial aid are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office before taking a leave of absence.
- A student who fulfills the conditions of an approved leave of absence may return to the university and register for classes without applying for readmission; such students may preregister for the semester in which they plan to return.
- A student who does not apply for an extension or exceeds the maximum period but wishes to return to the university must be formally readmitted by the Undergraduate Admissions Office (full-time students) or by University College (part-time students). Upon successful readmission, the student will register for classes for the first term of their return through the Undergraduate Admissions Office or University College.
- For leaves of absence completed during the first 12 weeks of the semester, the student's transcript will contain no record of courses attempted or grades received during that semester.
- Leaves of absence completed after the twelfth week but before the end of the semester may result in receipt of grades such as INC, W, or F for courses in which the student is registered at the time of the declaration of the leave of absence.
