1. I'm thinking about a leave of absence but I don't know what that means.
The great thing about college is that it will always be there. The funny thing about planning is that there's also life which does not always go according to plan. You're in a new environment, with new people, new relationships, new commitments. And then there's actual classes! Students take a leave of absence for all sorts of reasons: there is no right or wrong reason to take a pause and re-evaluate or to pursue a new opportunity or interest or to get help and focus on your well-being more than school can allow. From the Harvard Handbook:
Students who wish to interrupt their studies at any time before graduation must petition the Administrative Board for a leave of absence. [Don't be alarmed by the word "petition" here, it is formulaic for these purposes. The College cannot keep you here against your will. It's simply that depending on when you take the leave there may be some conditions] To petition the Board, the student and the student's Resident Dean work together to determine what pertinent information to present to the Board with the petition, and then the Resident Dean brings the petition to the Board on the student’s behalf. With respect to a voluntary leave of absence for medical reasons, the Dean of the College may consult with Harvard University Health Services (which may consider information from the student’s current and/or former health care providers, if made available by the student). Following an individualized assessment, for students on a medical leave of absence, the College may set out specific expectations for them to meet before they may return to the College with the goal of ensuring their readiness to return. It is often useful for students to have a conversation with their Resident Dean about how to approach these expectations.
Students whose previous academic and disciplinary record is satisfactory and who have petitioned by the seventh Monday of the term will normally be granted a “leave of absence.” Students who petition after the seventh Monday of the term will normally be granted a “leave of absence—late in the term.” Students who are not in good standing may be granted a “leave of absence—on probation.” Students who petition for a leave of absence after the tenth Monday of the term ordinarily will not be allowed to register in the next academic term. No petitions for a leave of absence for any term will ordinarily be considered after the first day of Reading Period for that term.
Students going on leave are reminded that all degree candidates, whether currently registered or not, are expected to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct.
2. What if I'm on financial aid?
No worries! Talk to your financial aid officer and check out this helpful chart:
3. Can I come back to my old room?
Can't say if you'd have your old room back but when you decide on returning you'd just apply like you normally do and if you have blockmates/friends you'd like to return to be sure that they list you in their housing applications.
And be sure to check out the Dean of Students Office page on Leaving and Returning to Campus
4. I've made my decision, what do you need from me?
Great, just shoot me an email stating "I'd like to take a leave of absence for the Spring/Fall term" and I'll report that to the Ad Board. You have 7 days from the date you send me that email to leave your room (as you found it or you may be term billed for the clean up!) and to leave campus. The understanding is that if you're taking a leave you're, well, on leave and not using resources that current enrolled students use. So, you must leave campus, return your key and your swipe will be deactivated.
And you're all set, that's all there is to it!
5. I've made my decision but we're near the middle of the term, can I still leave?
Of course, we can't keep you here no matter how much we love you! Now, depending on the date of your leave you may not be eligible to return the following semester but, rather the term after that (see the quote in #1). You and I will discuss this in detail. The most important thing is that it is still very straightforward!