Leave of Absence

A student desiring a leave of absence should obtain instructions from the Dean’s Office of Undergraduate Education in the College of Arts and Science. All students who have completed one regular (fall/spring) semester at Vanderbilt are eligible, provided they have not been dropped by the university and are not dropped at the end of the semester during which application is made. Students may take a leave no more than twice during their career in the College of Arts and Science.

Leaves are granted for one semester or for a year. Applications should be completed before the end of the fall semester for a leave of absence during the spring semester, and before August 15 for a leave of absence during the fall semester (or for the academic year). If the leave is approved, the student must keep the Office of the University Registrar informed of any change of address while on leave.

A student who takes a medical leave after mid-semester is expected to be on leave for the following regular semester as well. A student who plans to return from medical leave must submit appropriate documentation to the Dean’s Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Student Care Coordination.

A student in good standing who seeks to transfer to Vanderbilt credit earned elsewhere while on leave of absence must obtain permission in advance from the Office of Undergraduate Education. Requests for leave of absence for purpose of semester study away may be allowed if the semester study-away institution is domestic to the student. Requests for leave of absence plus semester study away are not allowed if the semester study-away institution is international to the student.

Registration information is emailed to students on leave of absence. A student failing to register at the conclusion of the stated leave will be withdrawn from the university and must apply for reinstatement.