Students taking time away from Denison can align their personal and academic paths, pursue volunteer or other work opportunities, or take care of medical or health needs for themselves or loved ones.

Denison’s goal is to support students, enable time away to be constructive, and set students up for a successful path forward.

The DU Cares team can advise students on options and policies and can support them through the process to achieve their time away. To achieve these goals, the DU Cares team works closely with colleagues in offices across Denison, including the Provost’s Office, the Office of Student Life, the health center and counseling services, and the Academic Resource Center.

We strongly recommend that all students considering a leave or withdrawal should schedule an appointment with a DU Cares team member to review their situation and discuss these policies. However, this is not a required step in the process because we recognize that situations may develop quickly.

All time away will fall under specific categories and is subject to review and approval by Denison.

Students who are considering taking time away from Denison should review this information and the applicable policies to understand the different categories of leaves and withdrawals, return parameters, and deadlines.

What to Consider

Financial aid

It is important to be aware that there may be financial implications for taking a withdrawal. The Office of Financial Services is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students taking a leave of absence prior to completing 60 percent of a payment period or term. We encourage you to meet with the Office of Financial Aid to understand the potential implications of a withdrawal on your financial aid.

Student loans

Students placed on any type of leave are considered not enrolled and are reported to the National Student Clearinghouse as withdrawn from Denison. Federal loans will go into repayment after a 6-month grace period (unless the 6-month grace period has been used previously, in which case there is no grace period.)

Timeline to graduation

Taking a medical withdrawal may affect your planned graduation date. Please contact your academic advisor to discuss your remaining courses required for graduation and potential timelines.

Tuition refund

Depending on when the leave is put in place, students will be refunded between 0 and 100% of tuition, in accordance with the university’s refund policy. Housing and dining fees will also be adjusted based on when the student vacates the room and terminates a dining contract.

Housing refund

A pro-rata refund of housing and meal charges will be made following official withdrawal or dismissal from Denison as of the date the student vacates university premises, discontinues use of university facilities and services, and returns their key. The Dean of Student Support or their designee will determine this date.

For international students

Per the Office of International Services, all international students on F-1 or J-1 visas must see a staff member in the Center for Global Programs to avoid potentially serious immigration issues, both concerning departure from the U.S. and return. Global Programs can be reached at 740-587-6532 or schedule an appointment.