LEAVE OF ABSENCE.
Any continuing degree-seeking student who interrupts the pursuit of the degree must request an official Leave of Absence by submitting the appropriate form prior to the beginning of the first semester of absence. A student who drops all courses prior to the drop deadline must apply for a Leave of Absence. Leave of Absence may be granted for a maximum of two consecutive semesters. Students on Leave and those who re-enroll within one semester after an approved Leave of Absence will be permitted to complete the degree program as originally begun. Those who interrupt the pursuit of the degree for any reason other than approved Leave of Absence or academic suspension will be required to comply with any changes in academic regulations and degree requirements made during their absence of three or more consecutive semesters. They will be required to complete the General Education and Major Program requirements in effect at the time of re-enrollment at UMW.
There are three types of leave:
- Personal Leave: for students who do not plan to take courses for one or two semesters for any reason (health, finances, etc.)
- Study Leave: for students who plan to take pre-approved courses at another college or university in the United States
- Study Abroad Leave: for students who plan to take courses in another country in a program pre-approved by the Director of International Academic Services
Personal Leave.
B.A./B.S. students must submit a Request for Personal Leave of Absence form to the Office of the Registrar. B.L.S. students must submit the form to the B.L.S. Office.
Study Leave.
The student must submit a Request for Study Leave of Absence form to the Office of the Registrar. Study leave will be granted to any qualified student who plans to enroll in a program, which has been fully approved by UMW in advance. After a student has chosen a program or school, applied and been accepted, he or she works with his or her major advisor to develop the most appropriate selection of courses for the semester or year. The student then obtains the appropriate transfer permission form from the Office of the Registrar, secures written approval from the department chair for any major program courses, and submits this form to the Office of the Registrar for final course approval. This process must be completed prior to enrollment in any study leave coursework or the course(s) will not be transferred to UMW. A B.L.S. student must seek permission from the B.L.S. Office and complete appropriate paperwork prior to Study Leave.
Study Abroad Leave.
Any student wishing to participate in a non-Mary Washington study abroad program during an academic term or year must submit a Request for Study Abroad Leave of Absence form to the Director of International Academic Services (IAS).