If students in academic and disciplinary good standing wish to place studies on hold for one or more semesters to pursue opportunities incompatible with full-time student status, they may be eligible for a leave of absence. A leave of absence is a pre-planned specified time away from academic study and students should have an articulable plan for their time away.

Eligibility

A student is eligible for a leave of absence when the following conditions have been met

  • The student is in good academic and disciplinary standing.
  • The student has secured an alternative opportunity that is incompatible with enrollment as a full-time student or otherwise has a plan compatible with a successful return to Denison University.
  • The student’s request is completed prior to the deadline for the intended semester of leave.
  • The student has appropriate documentation, to be determined on a case-by-case basis, substantiating their plan for their time of leave. Such documentation may not be from a family member.

A leave of absence must be arranged before the start of the term in which it will be taken. Deadline dates are as follows, and all documentation must be received by 4:30 p.m. in accordance with the schedule below.

  • A fall semester leave: July 1
  • A spring semester leave: November 1

Students seeking time away due to unexpected or exceptional circumstances that arise after the start of a semester should seek a hardship or medical withdrawal.

How to request a leave of absence

Students must submit the request form online. As part of the request, students must include:

  • A personal statement that addresses why they are seeking a leave of absence, describes their plans for time spent away from campus, and provides their planned timeline for return.
  • Third-party documentation regarding the reason for the leave of absence request. Documentation will vary based on the nature of the student’s situation but may not be provided by a parent or family member. Please consult with DU Cares for any documentation-related questions.
  • Grant permission for Student Life to consult with relevant Denison departments necessary for processing the leave of absence request.

Upon receipt of a complete leave of absence request, DU Cares staff will review and determine if the request meets the eligibility criteria (a-d).

If the request is approved

  • A member of the DU Cares staff will provide the student with notification of the decision by email and using their official Denison University email address.
  • The notification will include the effective date of withdrawal, any applicable conditions for return, and information about the return process, including deadlines.
  • The student will have five business days to confirm in writing that they wish to proceed with the withdrawal.

If the request is denied

  • A member of the DU Cares staff will provide the student with notification of the decision by email and using their official Denison University email address.
  • The notification will include a rationale for the denial and information about the appeal process.

If students do not return within the designated timeline without an approved extension, the withdrawal will convert to a general withdrawal and students will have to reapply for admission to Denison University.