Leave of Absence, General & Medical, and Readmission Policy

Undergraduate General Leave of Absence

Alfred University recognizes that there are many good reasons why a student may want to temporarily interrupt his/her education. Therefore the University has established a leave of absence policy that assures a student the right to continue his/her education following a specified leave period. The following principles govern the leave of absence policy:

A student must make a written request for a leave of absence to the academic dean. The request must include the reason(s) for the leave and the length of time the student plans to be away. Leaves are generally granted for one or two semesters. A leave of absence will not usually be granted for a semester in progress.

Before granting a leave, the dean may discuss with the student his/her written request and specific action plan for the leave.

Before granting the leave the dean will consult with the student experience office. Students on student conduct probation will normally not be granted a leave.

Once a leave is granted, the dean will notify other interested University officials of the decision and the expected date of return.

There are circumstances (for example, a felony conviction) under which a student's leave, and eligibility to return to the University, may be canceled.

A student who is granted a leave of absence to deal with medical and/or psychological problems must submit a clinical evaluation to the Student Experience Office and be approved to return from leave by the Dean of Student Experience.

Grades for Students leaving School During the Semester: A student who formally leaves school during a semester will be given W grades in those courses in which he/she is registered providing the last date to withdraw from each course, as published in the Academic Calendar, has not passed. In those courses where the last day to withdraw has passed, the instructor will record a final (non W) letter grade. In case of special circumstances the student's Dean may permit W grades to be recorded for any courses after the deadline has passed.

Readmission

A student who has withdrawn from the University or been suspended or dismissed for any reason, may be granted the opportunity to return. Application for readmission must be in writing to the director of admission. These applications must be submitted by August 1 for fall semester readmission or by December 1 for spring semester readmission.

A readmitted student must complete the degree requirements of the University catalog in effect at the time of readmission or, at the student’s choosing, the requirements of a later catalog.

Medical Leave of Absence

There may be occasions when a student may need to take a medical leave of absence (MLOA), for either physical or psychological reasons. The MLOA is typically for the remainder of the semester and until the student is ready to resume the rigors of academic life. If possible, students wanting to take a medical leave of absence need to complete a written request and submit it to the office of the Dean of Student Experience. At times medical emergencies will necessitate the immediate departure from campus and diminish the possibility of following the proscribed process. In such cases, the Dean of Student Experience may grant a Medical Leave of Absence. If the student has not left campus, they should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • A student should complete the Request for a Medical Leave of Absence form. The form can be obtained at the office of the Dean of Student Experience.
  • The request should be signed by a staff member of the Wellness Center – Counseling Services if the medical leave of absence is for psychological reasons and a staff member of the Wellness Center – Health Services if the leave is for physical reasons.
  • The request should be signed by the academic dean of the student’s school or college
  • Medical leaves of absence are usually granted for the remainder of the semester and until proper documentation for readmission has been submitted
  • Before granting the MLOA, the Dean of Student Experience may discuss with the student his/her written request and specific action plan for the MLOA
  • Before granting the MLOA, the Dean of Student Experience may consult with the academic dean and/or academic advisor of the student
  • The deadline to request a MLOA is the last day of classes

Readmission

When a student on a medical leave of absence (MLOA) is ready to return to our campus community, s/he must submit an application and supporting materials. An application to return from a MLOA must include complete compliance with the guidelines for return from a MLOA. In order to ensure that adequate time exists to compile and review all the necessary materials, applications must be submitted by the following dates:

August 1 – Deadline for receipt of application and supporting documentations to return for enrollment for the fall semester.

December 1 – Deadline for receipt of application and supporting documentations to return for enrollment for the spring semester.

Depending on the circumstances associated with the MLOA, a committee may be convened to review the student’s readiness to return to our academic community. Once a completed application arrives, the Return from MLOA Committee may convene. If the materials suffice, the Dean of Student Experience will arrange a meeting time for the committee and student. The committee will then interview the student and collaboratively develop a series of suggestions, recommendations and/or conditions to enhance the student’s success. If the student is in agreement with the committee, and the committee is satisfied that the student will adhere to the plan, a final clearance will be issued.