Leave of Absence and Withdrawal
Leave of Absence and Withdrawal - All leaves and withdrawals must be requested using the official forms available only through the Office of Student Success (Hegeman Hall 107). More detailed information is available through that office.
1. Voluntary Leave of Absence
A student may apply for a voluntary leave of absence (LOA) for a maximum of 180 days (including weekends and scheduled breaks) in any 12-month period. The student must submit the reason for the request in writing, and it must be dated and signed. The LOA may be granted to students who desire to temporarily discontinue or interrupt their education due to documented extreme extenuating circumstances (medical reasons, active military duty, or church services). The student wishing to return from a LOA must notify the Dean of Student Success in writing and present a written verification on official letterhead from a health professional stating that the student is deemed medically able to return to the College.
2. Involuntary Leave of Absence
An involuntary leave of absence is meant to be invoked only in extraordinary circumstances, when a student is unable or unwilling to request a voluntary leave of absence, and such a leave may be necessary because the student’s behavior disrupts the College’s learning environment. Before an involuntary leave is considered, efforts will be made to encourage the student to take a voluntary leave, thus preserving, to the extent possible, confidentiality and privacy. This policy and these procedures do not take the place of disciplinary actions that are in response to violations of the campus code of conduct, nor do they preclude the removal or dismissal of students from the College or college-owned facilities as a result of violations of other college regulations.
3. Temporary Academic Leave
A temporary academic leave (TAL) may be taken for any reason which prevents successful completion of a semester(s). Undergraduate students will be granted a TAL upon request, with the exception of students who have been placed on suspension and students who have just completed a TAL. TAL will be granted for a maximum of three (3) consecutive tradition academic semesters (Fall/Spring). For example, a student who takes a TAL in Fall 2019 must return to classes for Spring 2021. Only one TAL can be taken in a 12-month period. A TAL for part of a semester counts as one semester. Students requesting a TAL past week eight (8) of the semester must be on leave through the upcoming semester. For example, a student requesting a TAL in week nine (9) of the Fall 2019 semester may not return to Keuka College until Fall 2020. An exception to policy may be requested for extenuating circumstances.
4. Withdrawal
A student may withdraw from Keuka College by completing an official withdrawal form through the Office of Student Success. An exit interview will be arranged with a student success advisor to assist the student through the process. A withdrawal would be appropriate for a student who needs or wants to leave the College for a period longer than three consecutive academic semesters (Fall/Spring). Students returning after a withdrawal go through a streamlined readmission process.
5. Administrative Withdrawal
Students who are not registered for classes by Day 10 of each term, are administratively withdrawn from Keuka College. Students who wish to return, should contact the Admissions Office.
Resumption of Study from a Leave of Absence
a) The student wishing to return to the College from a LOA must notify the Dean of Student Engagement and Success in writing and present a written verification on official letterhead from a health professional stating that the student is deemed medically able to return to the College. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible of the semester in which she/he expects to return.
b) The student requesting to return after normal registration or housing selection processes is not guaranteed course and room preference. Students returning from a medical LOA are required to meet with counseling or health services staff to ascertain the degree of counseling or health care support needed and to make arrangements, when appropriate, for off-campus and on-campus support services tailored to their individual needs.
c) Students return to the College under the same academic status they departed. Students placed on academic probation prior to their LOA are still considered on probationary status upon their return.
d) If there are any student conduct charges pending involving the student requesting the LOA, those proceedings will continue during the student’s absence.
e) Students should re-enroll in the coursework he/she began prior to the LOA at the start of the next available semester.