Leaves and Returns

The college experience is not always a linear path.  Sometimes students need to pause their studies to pursue opportunities, serve their country, and/or recover from personal challenges. The topic headers below provide all necessary information regarding the process to:

  • Request a leave of absence
  • Return from a leave of absence
  • Navigate the academic suspension process

Additionally, there are resources listed to assist you with during your time away and when you return. 

Leaves of Absence

Leaves of absence are granted for specific periods, generally up to one year, and such leaves are regarded as approved interruptions of a student’s program. No tuition or fees are charged while on leave. If applicable, students should consult with the Office of Student Financial Support prior to request a leave of absence. Students may not be eligible for health benefits if enrolled through JHU’s Student Health Benefits. See the Student Health Benefits website and the Student Financial Support website for more information.

Standard Leave of Absence

Students may be granted a standard leave of absence with the approval of the academic advising office for the student’s school. Examples of reasons for a standard leave of absence include: military service (foreign or domestic), full-time internships preventing enrollment in courses, or missionary work. The deadline to request a standard leave of absence is the last day to drop classes. KSAS students should complete the Personal Leave of Absence Request Form to request a standard leave. WSE students need to contact the Whiting Advising Office for instructions.

Emergency Leave of Absence

Students may be granted an emergency leave of absence for the purpose of dealing with a personal situation that impacts a student’s ability to remain on campus and complete the semester. Examples of situations that might necessitate an emergency leave of absence include: the death of a family member, the need to serve as a caregiver for a family member, or other family emergencies. Students experiencing their own physical or mental health issues should refer to the medical leave of absence option.

Medical Leave of Absence (Physical or Mental Health)

Students may be granted a medical leave of absence to address their own physical or mental health concerns with the approval of Student Outreach & Support in the Office of the Dean of Student Life. No tuition or fees are charged while on leave. Students on a medical leave of absence may request permission to take up to two courses totaling 8 credits or less at another institution while on leave.

Return from Leave

Returning from a Standard Leave of Absence

Students are required to list a return semester when submitting a request for a standard leave of absence.  Students are automatically returned to active status during the registration period for the semester they listed. Students can contact their academic advisor if they need information about their return semester or if they would like to change their return semester.

Returning from an Emergency or Medical Leave of Absence

The Student Outreach and Support Office processes reinstatements from medical and emergency leave of absence.

Navigate Academic Suspension

Students in Good Academic Standing

Students in good academic standing who earn a term GPA below 1.0 or who earn less than 6 credits will be reviewed for academic suspension.  Students who wish to continue enrollment for the following semester must submit a Suspension Appeal Form to the Academic Review Committee by the established deadline.  Deadlines will be communicated to all students under suspension review once grades are posted for the semester.  The suspension review statement must include the student’s intent to continue, summary of issues experienced in the current semester, and action steps to achieve academic success in the following semester. Students who fail to submit a suspension review statement will likely be placed on academic suspension for the following semester.

Students on Academic Probation 

Students currently on academic probation who have not met the terms of probation will be placed on academic suspension for the following semester.  Students can request to formally appeal a suspension if they meet any of the following criteria:

  1. Student has earned at least 9 credits and above a 1.75 GPA
  2. Student has no more than 15 credits/5 requirements and can reasonably graduate in the following semester.  

If one of the two criteria are met, students must submit a Suspension Appeal Form by the established deadline. Deadlines will be communicated to all students under suspension review once grades are posted for the semester.  Meeting the appeal criteria does not mean that students will automatically avoid academic suspension.  The academic review committee will review the student’s suspension appeal application and statement and will make decisions based on the student’s written intent to continue, summary of issues experienced in the current semester and action steps to achieve academic success in the following semester. 

Returning from an Academic Suspension

Students are placed on academic suspension for either one academic semester or one academic year.  Please see the academic catalogue to review the official policy for academic suspension.  When eligible to return, students must apply for reinstatement by the established deadline:

  • Fall Reinstatement:  June 1st
  • Spring Reinstatement:  November 1st

Reinstatement from academic suspension is not guaranteed.  Students must complete an Application for Readmission and submit by the established deadline.  Once submitted, the academic review committee will review the application and make decisions about reinstatement for each student. 

Tips for Time Away:  How to Be a Good Candidate for Reinstatement

  • Students should review their academic suspension letter to understand the recommendations made for each students’ time away.  This may include completing coursework at another institution, completing incomplete coursework at JHU, finding employment or a volunteer experience, and/or seeking treatment for any issues affecting your academic success.  
  • Students should create a reinstatement plan with their Success Coach Advisor.
  • Students should stay connected with their Success Coach Advisor during their time away to ensure they are on the right track for reinstatement.
  • Student should gather all documentation such as transcripts, recommendation letters from supervisors or treatment providers to submit along with your reinstatement application.  
  • Students must complete the application by the stated deadline.

Resources for Time Away

  • The best resource for students is their Success Coach Advisor who will proactively contact students once placed on academic suspension.
  • The Student Outreach and Support Office can assist you with your transition away from JHU and get you connected to important resources needed for successful reinstatement.
  • Life Design Educators are available to assist you via online drop in hours.
  • Students still have access to many of the online resources available to all students such as: Timely MDThriving Campus, and Handshake