Return from Leave of Absence

The College has a formal leave of absence (LOA) process for students who need to take a break in their studies and plan to return to the College within two years. An approved LOA allows you to break your continuous enrollment and return to your degree program at a later date.

Students who are thinking of taking a leave of absence should contact the Dean of Students Affairs via email. Please note that a leave of absence is granted for a semester at a time. Students may take a leave of absence for two consecutive semesters, but must contact the Dean of Student Affairs office to extend their leave each semester. If the student has not returned to Menlo College after two consecutive semesters, they will be withdrawn administratively from Menlo College.

Other considerations

Many aspects of student life may be affected by taking a leave of absence. Here are other things to consider that may or may not apply to you:

• Financial aid: Taking a leave of absence may have implications on future financial aid eligibility and student loan repayment. You may be required to repay your financial aid, including scholarships, grants, or loans. We strongly encourage you to investigate these impacts prior to requesting a leave of absence.
• Email: To keep your email account active, you must log in to your Menlo email at least every 90 days. Your email address will continue to be the official means of communication from the College.
• Housing: Whether you live on or off campus, be sure to update the Housing office or your landlord to discuss your options. There may be financial penalties for canceling your housing contract or lease.
• Health benefits: You may no longer be covered by a College-sponsored health plan once you take a leave of absence from the College. If you are covered by the College’s health plan, contact the Office of Student Affairs to determine your status. If you are covered under a private plan and are no longer a student, contact the private health plan carrier to discuss implications.
• Veterans: If you received benefits as a servicemember, or family member of a US veteran, you must notify campus Veteran Affairs via email of your leave.
• International students: SEVIS requires notification if you are an international student who plans to leave the College. Consult with an F1 advisor via email before leaving and/or requesting a leave of absence. Leaving the College may affect your visa status and scholarship eligibility.
• Student-athletes: If you are a student-athlete, you may need to obtain approval from the Athletics Department of your temporary or permanent leave of the College.

In the semester during which you are on leave, you will receive a notification from the Dean of Student Affairs asking you to verify your plans for returning. An email will be sent to your Menlo email address asking you to indicate whether you plan to return, request an extension of your leave, or notify us that you are withdrawing. It is important you respond to this email, as it serves as the required written notification of your intent to return to active status or to extend your leave.

If you have any questions please contact the Dean of Student Affairs via email.