Instructions

Request for Leave of Absence
Faculty legislation provides for a leave of absence for regular students in good standing who wish to interrupt their attendance at Whitman College for a period of one or two consecutive semesters for acceptable reasons. An application for a leave of absence must be filed in writing with the Board of Review. The granting of a leave is subject to certain conditions and restrictions which are stated below. A student on leave has permission to reenter the College in the semester immediately following the expiration of the leave provided that the student notifies the Registrar’s Office of his or her intention to return by March 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester.

Conditions and Restrictions for a Leave of Absence
Eligibility for a leave of absence is limited to regular students who are in good standing.

Application for a leave: A student wishing approval of a leave of absence must file a written request with the Board of Review which includes a brief explanation as to the reason for the leave. Reasons for a leave may include study in the foreign or domestic program of another educational institution, medical or financial reasons, or the need to interrupt formal academic work for a period of time.

A leave which includes study in an academic program of another educational institution, either as a full-time or a part-time student, is considered an academic leave and eligibility for such a leave is subject to a time restriction. An academic leave of up to two semesters may be granted to students whose total academic program has been at Whitman (i.e. who have entered as freshmen). Transfer students who have entered as sophomores or who have completed a full year at another school may be granted no more than one semester of academic leave. Transfer students who have been admitted as juniors are not eligible of academic leave.

An application for an academic leave for participation in a foreign study program requires an application to and approval of the study plan by the International Studies Planning Committee. An application for an academic leave to complete work in a domestic program of another college or university must include a program of study approved by the student’s adviser and the Registrar. An application for a leave of absence for financial or medical reasons requires the recommendation of the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid.

During the Leave. A Student on leave may not reside on campus, attend classes, participate in the regular activities of the College. While on leave a student is expected to meet deadlines with respect to room reservations, deposits, or withdrawal from the College as stipulated for regularly enrolled students. Failure to observe deadlines may result in cancellation of permission to return.

A student on a leave of absence has permission to reenter the College in the semester immediately following the expiration of the leave provided that the student notifies the Registrar of his or her intention to return by March 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester. A student on leave for medical or financial reasons must also obtain the approval of the Dean of Students for the return.

An extension of the period of leave may be granted for valid reasons provided that the student submits a petition to the Board of Review during the last semester of the leave, except that an academic leave may not be extended beyond the limitations stipulated above. If the student extends the period of the leave without authorization, he or she will be withdrawn from the College. A leave of absence is automatically cancelled if a student registers in a collegiate institution without completing the procedures for an academic leave.

Cancellation of Leave. A leave of absence may be cancelled with return to the College provided the Registrar is notified of the student’s intention not less than sixty days prior to the beginning of classes for that semester.

1. Requires a program of study approved by the student’s adviser and the International Studies Planning Committee.
2. Requires consultation with and recommendation by the Dean of Students.
3. Requires a program of study approved by the student’s adviser and the Registrar.
   Requires consultation with Dean of Admission and Financial Aid.