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 to go on and 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
Use the link provided below to review the policy on Leave of Absence, along with the forms to apply and return from a Leave of Absence.
JHU Undergraduate Student Leave of Absence Policy
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:
- Student has earned at least 9 credits and above a 1.75 GPA
- 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 MD, Thriving Campus, and Handshake.