The process of returning from a hardship withdrawal is almost identical to the process students would have engaged to request a withdrawal by way of the process and needed documentation. 

As the other bookend to the leave process, rather than articulating why a student may need time away from their academic and co-curricular pursuits at Denison, the return process seeks to gather information detailing why the student is now in a position to return to Denison in a manner that promotes their holistic well-being and their ability to achieve success in a residential higher education environment. 

How to return from a hardship withdrawal

Students initiate the request to return by completing the request to return from a hardship withdrawal form. For a student’s request to be considered, the student must provide

  • A personal statement that addresses the activities the student engaged in while on withdrawal, how they addressed the circumstances leading to withdrawal, and describes the student’s perspective on why they feel ready to return to the demands of academic and campus life at Denison.
  • If applicable, submit documentation necessary to demonstrate that any assigned conditions for return were met.
  • A completed Student Financial Responsibility Agreement. Students need to complete the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement by reviewing the agreement in its entirety and then physically signing the document indicating they understand the financial expectations. 
  • Submit all materials by the deadline: July 1 for a fall semester return and Nov. 1 for a spring semester return. Please note that weekends/holidays do not alter the deadlines. Students are encouraged to begin the return process ahead of the deadline for the semester they are interested in returning and are invited to connect with DU Cares staff who are happy to help provide support to students as they are seeking a return.

Upon receipt of a request to return from hardship withdrawal

  • DU Cares staff will review and determine if the materials provided support the student’s return to Denison at that time.

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 decision, suggested campus resources, the day/time of a transition meeting with DU Cares staff, the name/contact information for the student’s academic advisor, and information about any additional steps, of which DU Cares is aware, that the student must complete before returning.

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.