Withdrawal - Leave of Absence

Though students are expected to complete their baccalaureate degree by enrolling at Lehigh for four consecutive academic years, we recognize that there are circumstances when this may not occur. We encourage students who are uncertain about their enrollment plans during a current or upcoming term to contact Academic Life and Student Transitions to discuss their situation. Should students ultimately choose to take some time away from Lehigh for any reason, they must submit the Withdrawal/Leave of Absence (LOA) form below. Leave of Absence requests should be submitted no later than one (1) week prior to the start of the term they wish to take the leave.

 

Leave of Absence form

Learning more about your experiences at Lehigh is important to us. With that in mind, Dr. Donna Mohr, Director of Retention, may contact you upon submission of your form. 

*Please Note: This form is for undergraduate students only. Graduates students can refer to the course catalog for information regarding a graduate leave of absence. Newly-accepted students must contact the Admissions Office to defer their admission. 

 

Leave of Absence Policies and Information

  • Current Lehigh University students are prohibited from concurrent enrollment at any other college or university. Courses taken concurrently will not be eligible to apply towards a Lehigh degree. An exception is made for cross registration at another LVAIC institution.
  • Students cannot assume that a leave will be granted to study at another college or university (this policy does not apply for study abroad through the auspices of Lehigh Abroad or LVAIC programs). The program of study and reason for the leave must be approved by the Committee on the Standing of Students.
  • Students wishing to earn credits at another institution during their leave from Lehigh must also complete the Transfer of Credit Form prior to enrollment. Please visit the Office of the Registrar's website for more information about the processes for transfer course approval prior to enrolling in the courses: Transfer Credit Policy. Students may take courses at another institution during a summer term without requesting an academic leave of absence.
  • If unapproved leaves are taken, students are declared as non-returning and must request readmission through the Dean of Students if they wish to re-enroll in a future term. Courses taken at another college or university while on an unapproved leave will not be permitted to transfer toward a Lehigh University baccalaureate degree.

Students on leaves of absence do not have access to university resources and services as they are not active and enrolled students, however, it is important for us to maintain a connection. To that end, your Lehigh email account will remain active during this period. You will also be able to access your academic information in Banner using your LIN and PIN through the secure log-in on the Office of the Registrar's website.

Please contact the following offices for more specific information about a Leave of Absence as it relates to:

Bursar’s Office: inburs@lehigh.edu, 610.758.3160 - Billing and payment deadlines; tuition and board plan refund policy and process

Financial Aid: infao@lehigh.edu, 610.758.3181 - Application deadlines upon return, eligibility for financial aid

Housing Services: inhouse@lehigh.edu, 610.758.3500 - Housing selection and process for a future term of enrollment, housing refund

Office of the Registrar: ras@lehigh.edu, 610.758.3200 - Transfer credit policy; request for transcripts

When you are ready to re-enroll, you must complete the Readmission Form.  In order to register for classes during the official registration time period, this form needs to be completed by October 15 or March 15 for the fall and spring terms, respectively, in order to allow time to process your readmission. *Readmission requests will still be processed if submitted after October 15 or March 15, however, you may miss the official course registration period.

Transitioning back to university life may be challenging in some ways and we want to ensure you have a successful return. To that end, you will be invited to participate in the Academic Coaching & Educational Support (ACES) Program in the Center for Academic Success which is designed to assist you in defining and reaching your academic goals.

If you any additional questions regarding the Leave of Absence and related processes, please contact Academic Life and Student Transitions at inacsup@lehigh.edu or 610.758.4159.