Undergraduate Student University Leave of Absence Policy & Guide Sheet

Undergraduate Students Approved Leave of Absence from the University

Leave of absence (LOA) for up to three consecutive semesters is granted to students (U.S. citizens only) who are with Good Academic Standing (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better) and who wish to suspend their undergraduate studies.

Students must contact the Registrar’s Office to apply for an LOA. Students who enroll at another college or university while on a leave of absence are considered withdrawn from the University and must apply for readmission before being permitted to re-enroll at the University.

If official withdrawal paperwork is not received, the student is considered unofficially withdrawn. NOTE: Students should be advised that financial aid will be recalculated if the student takes a leave of absence before completing 60% of the semester. See the Financial Aid – LOA portion of this catalog for details.

RLOA – Returning from Leave of Absence

When the student is ready to return from LOA (RLOA), contact the LOA/WD Specialist at the Registrar’s Office to initiate the process of return. Students may enroll in classes at the end of their approved leave without applying for readmission. If the three-semester limit has expired, the student must apply for readmission.

Approved LOA from Gallaudet University Checklist

Academic Advisor (AA) & Director of Academic Advising

Meet with your AA. Discuss/explain your reasons for requesting a leave of absence, concerns, and then obtain their signatures on the University LOA form.

Financial Aid & Scholarships (FA)

Discuss your financial aid status and situation and determine options, necessary actions, what aid may be lost, and how this will impact your FA loan repayment. You are not going to be considered an active or continuing student at GU until while on LOA which will impact your loan repayment status.

Student Financial Services (SFS)

You must clear all Gallaudet debt, no outstanding fees, charges or SFS holds on your student account to be eligible to return from LOA. Contact the SFS regarding your account and if applicable receive reimbursement for the term. This is not applicable after the 4th week by the policy. It is best to request LOA at the end of a semester or before a new semester begins.

Residence Life

If you have a campus dorm room, you are required to notify Residence Life and go through a dorm check out exit/vacate process. You will be granted time to vacate your dorm properly and return all residence access key cards. Resident dorm students must attain this required signature for LOA processing. Check Residence Hall Policies for information.

Library

You will need to return all borrowed books and materials to the Gallaudet Library and check on all outstanding library fees.

Vocational Rehabilitation

You are responsible for notifying your Vocational Rehabilitation office regarding your LOA. If your VR contacts Gallaudet and learns of your non-enrolled status – you may have problems with your VR in the future

Veterans Education Benefits

If you are receiving VA veteran’s education benefits, contact your veteran office counselor to inform them of your university LOA and update your status. This is a requirement and your duty. You signed a form as a student at the Registrar’s Office with your student agreement

GU Post Office

Submit a forwarding address to the Gallaudet University PO to forward your mail to you.

YOUR LOA Forms

After you complete the LOA form on Adobe eSign, signatures will be collected from various offices. The final copy will be sent to you after all signatures have been collected.