Academic Services

A leave of absence (LOA) is an interruption in your enrollment with the intent to return to your studies at Brandeis. Students may choose to take a leave for a number of reasons, including but not limited to personal or academic reasons, military service, travel, or employment/internship opportunities. To initiate time away from the University, undergraduate students should contact their academic services advisor to learn more and submit their request in writing.

If personal health is a factor in your decision to take time away, you may work with your academic services advisor to convert your leave to a Health Leave of Absence (HLOA). An approved HLOA offers you an opportunity to address health concerns that may be interfering with your ability to engage with your academics. This status is also designed to ensure smooth lines of communication between your healthcare providers and the University to support a successful transition back to full-time study at Brandeis.

Initiating a Leave of Absence

To initiate a leave, you must notify your academic services advisor in writing so they can discuss this option with you and communicate your desired change in enrollment status to the Registrar’s Office. You should acknowledge the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policies Acknowledgement Form in Workday so that your leave of absence or withdrawal can be finalized.

If you are enrolled in an active semester that you decide not to complete, you may initiate a leave of absence via your academic advisor at any point up to and including the last day of classes.  In this case, a “W” notation will be entered for each course you are enrolled in at the time to show that you did not complete the term. “W” notations do not have an impact on your GPA.

Returning to the University

Students on a leave of absence may request to resume their studies by sending an email to [email protected] or their academic services advisor by the deadlines indicated below.

    March 1 - Intended summer or fall semester return
    October 1 - Intended spring semester return

Upon receiving this request, Academic Services will review the return process, timeline and materials needed for the return process with you. All excused incomplete or excused absences on your transcript must be resolved before petitioning to return.

If you took a leave from the University in good academic standing between semesters, you can submit a request to return after only one full semester away. You will be required to submit a 1-3 page written statement regarding your leave and why you feel ready to resume your studies. Your request to return will be reviewed by the Executive Council of the Committee on Academic Standing (EXCO), which typically meets weekly. Your academic services advisor will share the committee's decision with you via email.

If you took a leave from the University under any other circumstances (e.g. during an active semester, on academic probation, required leave), you should follow the instructions on the Checklist to Return from a Leave of Absence (document coming soon). You will be required to submit two letters of recommendation in addition to a 1-3 page written statement regarding your leave and why you feel ready to resume your studies. Your request to return will be reviewed by the Committee on Academic Standing (COAS), which typically meets monthly. Your academic services advisor will share the committee's decision with you via email.

If you took courses elsewhere during your leave, you should submit official transcripts or provisional grades, as appropriate to the Registrar’s Office ([email protected]). Students who elect to take a Health Leave of Absence (HLOA) must have health documentation reviewed by the Health Exceptions Review Committee in advance of the academic committee (COAS) review. Academic Services will inform the student of the relevant Health Exceptions Committee deadlines.

In certain circumstances, students may be required to take time away from the University for academic reasons. At the end of each semester, the Committee on Academic Standing (COAS) reviews student academic progress. Students found to be making insufficient progress toward their degree may be required to take a one year leave of absence by the Committee. When this is the case, students and their families will be notified in writing by Academic Services.

Voluntary Withdrawal

If you plan to leave Brandeis without the intention to return, you may initiate a voluntary withdrawal. Students can do so by emailing [email protected] and/or their academic services advisor.

Administrative Withdrawal

Students on a leave of absence who do not communicate their intent to return after two consecutive years away will have their status converted to an administrative withdrawal.