Leave of Absence

Policy

A leave of absence is a temporary interruption of one's studies at Duke, generally for a period of one or two semesters. In order to take a leave of absence, you must be in good academic standing. There are essentially two types of leave:

A personal leave of absence allows you to interrupt your studies at Duke for one or two semesters with the approval of your academic dean. It is generally authorized to start only after one semester ends and before the next semester begins. Since students are expected to request a personal leave of absence before the last day of classes in the preceding semester of enrollment, a personal leave of absence is something you plan for in advance. Reasons why you might consider a leave of absence include the desire to travel, to participate in a non-academic program, to work and earn money, to attend to a family crisis, or to gain a sense of direction. While on a personal leave, you can take courses at another four-year institution for transfer credit at Duke, though you are limited in how much credit will transfer by the normal rules for transfer credit. You are not allowed to enroll full-time in another university while on a leave of absence from Duke. Campus housing is preserved as long as the appropriate forms and deadlines are met.
A medical leave of absence is possible at any time and should be considered if, due to personal or health problems, continuing in your courses becomes impossible. Grades of W (withdrawn) are issued for each of your courses. The deadline for a medical leave of absence is the last day of classes in a semester. Medical leaves are not granted once classes have ended and final exams have begun.

Students who withdraw during the first or second week of the semester receive 80% of their tuition back. During the third to fifth weeks, they receive 60% of their tuition, and during the sixth week, 20% of their tuition. Residence hall charges are prorated depending upon the number of days a room is occupied. For more information, contact the Bursar's Office and Housing.

Procedure

If you are contemplating a personal or medical leave, you should make an appointment to meet with your academic dean as soon as possible. In some cases, there may be other options available to you, and a frank discussion of your plans and contingencies may be useful to you.

For a personal leave of absence, you need only to explain your reasons and sign a form.
For a medical leave of absence, you will be required to provide a letter from a health professional, physician or therapist recommending a medical leave.

Returning from a personal leave of absence requires no action on your part. The Registrar's Office will e-mail your PIN at the appropriate time so that you can register online.

Returning from a medical leave of absence requires your academic dean's approval. To begin the process, you will need to send a detailed letter to your academic dean detailing your recovery and why you think you're ready to return to Duke as a full-time student. Your health care provider, physician, or therapist will also write to your academic dean to explain the nature and extent of your therapeutic interaction and to recommend your return. Once your return has been approved, the Registrar's Office will send you your PIN so that you can register online.

If you have taken a one- or two-semester leave of absence and wish to extend it, you may petition your academic dean for additional time. A leave of absence may not generally be extended beyond three semesters (not including summers). For more prolonged absences, you are usually expected to withdraw from Duke with the option of applying for readmission at a later date. If you have taken a medical leave of absence, returned to Duke, and now find that a second medical leave of absence may be necessary, you should consult with your academic dean immediately.