Perhaps your student has had a difficult time at college. It happens – more often than many of us realize. There are many reasons your student may struggle, including academic issues, social issues, health or personal issues. Whatever the reasons, some students can power through, and others may decide they need to take a break from school.

If your student has decided they need to leave school, Withdrawing from college may seem to be the only option. Withdrawal is certainly possible, and is appropriate for many students. But another option may be a Leave of Absence. Before your student makes a final decision about what to do, it is important to understand, and discuss, the differences between Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Essentially, a Leave of Absence is a temporary time away from school with the intent to return, while a Withdrawal is a more permanent leaving. Both options are big, and sometimes difficult, decisions and should be considered carefully. They can involve strong emotions, feelings of disappointment, shame, and fear. Your student may feel sad, or numb – or may feel relieved and optimistic about a break and/or a fresh perspective.

Understanding a Leave of Absence

When your student takes a Leave of Absence, they are temporarily withdrawing from classes and suspending their studies with the intent to return to school later. Although they are stepping back for a time, they are still officially enrolled and affiliated with the institution.

Leaves of Absence are not uncommon, and there are many reasons students may need to take a break such as a family emergency, military service, a family death, personal issues, or perhaps something career related. The most common reason may be a medical emergency of some kind.

Each school establishes its own policies for leaves and may use different terms, such as Leave of Absence, Medical Leave of Absence. Emergency Leave, Planned Leave of Absence, or Involuntary Leave. An involuntary Leave of Absence is determined by the school and may be for situations where a student is being sanctioned for disciplinary reasons or is considered to be a threat to themselves or others. Such leaves are not usually based on academics.

Because each school determines it own policies and processes for taking a Leave of Absence, it is important that you or your student ask questions about how leaves are handled. Your student may work with their advisor, a counselor, or a success or disabilities office to discuss options. The allowed length of leaves is also determined by the school. A leave may be for one semester, or one or two years. If your student is on leave for longer than the determined amount of time, they may be Withdrawn, but that doesn’t mean that your student cannot apply for readmission when they are ready to return. (Readmission applications are usually much less complex than original applications.)

Students usually need to be in good academic and financial standing in order to request a leave. Following the college’s policies, they need to formally request a leave by filing paperwork, usually with the Registrar’s Office. Some schools may require documentation. The leave may or may not be indicated on the student’s transcript. Students should check with the Registrar.

It is essential that you or your student check with the Financial Aid Office about how a Leave of Absence may affect any financial aid your student receives. If the leave is longer than six months, your student may conclude the six-month grace period and may need to begin repaying loans.

It is also a good idea for your student to determine a return plan before leaving. It is important to know what to do before taking a leave, but it is also helpful to have a plan for what your student will do during their leave and what is required when your student is ready to return. Can they take classes elsewhere while on leave? Do they need approval for these classes? Are there limits? Will these credits transfer? Can they enroll in a gap program? Will there be someone who will be their point of contact while away? How do they notify the college when they are ready to re-enter? Having a plan and knowing what is required will alleviate some of the stress during your student’s leave and make their return go more smoothly.

It is also important that your student keep all forms, documents and correspondence regarding their leave. Having a paper trail is always a good idea in case they need to refer to documents or emails later.

Finally, try to help your student create a plan for using their time away from school wisely. Help them focus on their energy, care and recovery to prepare for their return. Encourage them to stay connected with their friends and their school. This will help with their transition back later.

When your student returns from leave, they should work with their advisor to determine the impact of the leave and create a new timeline and completion plan. They may be off sequence with some courses, and the leave may or may not delay graduation. They will need to determine housing options and financial aid awards. They will then be ready to resume their journey toward graduation.

What about Withdrawal from college?

The primary difference between a Leave of Absence and Withdrawal is the intent to return. Students who Withdraw do not usually intend to return to the same institution. They may transfer to another school or decide to take an entirely different path. However, this does not mean that a student who Withdraws from school cannot return. They will need to apply for readmission, and that is normally a much simpler process than their initial admission process, often requiring only a single form or letter.

It is important that students are aware that Withdrawal from the college is not the same as Withdrawing from a single class. A student may withdraw from one or more classes during a semester. This will impact their credits and possibly their standing as a full-time student or financial aid, but not their enrollment at the institution. If your student feels they need to withdraw from a course, they should discuss requirements and impact with their Advisor.

Like a Leave of Absence, a Withdrawal may be voluntary or involuntary. Involuntary Withdrawal or Dismissal may be for academic or disciplinary reasons. Also, much like a Leave of Absence, it is essential to check on school policies, required paperwork, and financial aid impact. When a student withdraws from school, the six-month financial aid grace period begins and your student will need to begin repaying loans six months after leaving.

It is also important that a student withdrawing from school create a plan for moving forward. Will your student plan to transfer to a different school, participate in a gap program, work, or enter some other type of program? If your student withdraws with a plan, it can relieve some of the associated anxiety and stress.

Choosing an option

You and your student will need to discuss and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a Leave of Absence and a Withdrawal. The key will be whether your student feels they might want to return to the school they are leaving.

Neither a Leave of Absence nor a Withdrawal is exclusive. A student who takes a Leave of Absence may request at any point to turn the Leave into a Withdrawal. A student who Withdraws, but then decides they would like to return, can apply for readmission. You and your student should consider which option feels right at the moment, but also know that they may move in a different direction later.

Taking a break from school is not unusual and most institutions are ready to help your student make the decision that is best for them. Once you know the options, you and your student can find the best path forward.

Related articles:

Readmission to College After Time Away

Should My Student Withdraw from College?

Should My Student Consider Withdrawing from a Class?

How to Support Your Student Who May Be Taking a Break from School