Frequently Asked Questions (Leave of Absence/Withdrawal)

A leave of absence is a temporary interruption in studies, typically for a full semester.  Tuition is cancelled in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule.  A student on a leave of absence may not enroll as a degree candidate at another institution.  If you are absent for a semester without arranging for an approved leave, re-enrollment into your degree program cannot be guaranteed. 

Students who decide not to continue their program of study at BU, or who enroll as a degree candidate elsewhere, must officially  withdraw.  Tuition is cancelled in accordance with the published tuition refund schedule. 

Circumstances sometimes arise that make it necessary or advisable for students to interrupt their studies. Examples include: 

• attending to a health issue (leave of absence for medical reasons)
• completing required military service
• pursuing a professional opportunity such as an internship
• addressing a family/personal obligation

Generally, it’s best to arrange a leave or withdrawal a month to several months before the start of the new term (for example, in December for the upcoming spring term, and in May/June for the upcoming fall term). Emergencies happen, though, so if circumstances arise that might prompt a last minute or mid-semester leave or withdrawal, we can help you explore your options.

The implications of taking leaves/withdrawing do vary, depending on the semester and request timing. Be sure to explore the remaining FAQs thoroughly, since they touch on important dates, deadlines, and implications.

Taking a leave of absence involves multiple important and interrelated consequences across academics, finances, housing, health insurance, and immigration (for international students). Early planning and communication with relevant university offices (USC, academic advisor, Financial Assistance, Student Health, ISSO) are essential to managing these impacts effectively and preserving your academic progress and eligibility. 

Summary Table of Implications – high level, be sure to read the detailed information that follows  

1. Academic Implications
   • Transcript Notation:
     • An approved leave of absence results in a “leave of absence” notation on your transcript for the relevant semester. Classes from which you withdraw may receive a “W” notation depending on timing.
   • Registration and Enrollment:
     • Your course registrations for the upcoming term are canceled, and your name is removed from class lists. Future enrollments may also be canceled, but you can re-enroll upon return if you meet the criteria.
     • You are responsible for maintaining continuous enrollment or an approved leave each semester up until the last semester before graduation to avoid discontinuing your academic program.
   • Advising:
     • You should consult your academic advisor before taking a leave to understand any impacts on degree planning, scheduling, and graduation dates.
2. Financial Implications
   • Tuition and Fees:
     • If you take a leave before the start of the semester, you are eligible for a full tuition and fee cancellation (100% refund).
     • Mid-semester leaves may not qualify for a full refund, but exceptions can be requested in case of emergency medical situations (email usc@bu.edu–after your medical leave has been arranged–for specific procedures).
     • Allow 2–3 business days for standard tuition refund schedule account adjustments and up to 30 days for financial aid adjustments.
     • Overpayments may be kept as credit for future charges or refunded upon request.
   • Financial Aid and Scholarships:
     • Need-based aid, loans, and BU scholarships for the leave semester will be canceled.
     • Awards by private donors will be adjusted per donor terms.
     • Eligibility for financial aid in future semesters could be affected; consult Financial Assistance staff for details.
     • Work-Study awards are canceled; you must notify your employer and cease student employment.
   • Loan Deferment/Repayment:
     • Student and parent loans may enter repayment status during leave. Borrowers should contact lenders to learn about grace periods, payment plans, and deferment options.
3. Housing and Campus Access
   • On-campus Housing:
     • Housing assignments will be canceled; you must vacate within 48 hours if residing on campus, return keys, and understand refund policies per the Residence License Agreement.
     • Housing for return semesters requires a separate application and is not guaranteed.
     • Your residence and dining plan charges will be adjusted according to the schedule outlined in the Terms and Conditions of the Residence License Agreement.  Any remaining Convenience Points will be rebated as noted in the Convenience Points Plan Agreement.  If these adjustments result in a credit balance on your student account, you may request a refund.  
   • Campus Services and Access:
     • While on leave, you lose access to BU services including FitRec memberships, library privileges, and your Terrier Card swipe/tap access, which will be deactivated.
   • Email:
     • Your BU email remains active during official leaves of absence but may be deactivated if you are not enrolled, not on leave, and have not graduated.
4. Health Insurance
   • Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP):
     • SHIP coverage is annual, starting in August.
     • Leaves approved before the August start of the policy year (fall or full year leave) lead to cancellation of coverage and removal of charges.
     • For spring-only leaves, insurance coverage usually continues through the policy year.
     • Waiver options exist only during the official waiver period (first 30 days). Students should contact Aetna Student Health directly with questions about coverage for specific health issues and detailed personal impact.
     • Contact Student Accounting Services to find out if you will still be enrolled. Contact Student Health Services with questions about referrals and claim forms. 
5. Medical and Return Requirements
   • If your leave is for medical reasons, a medical review with Student Health Services is required before re-enrollment.
   • Medical documentation is not required at the time of leave but providing it early facilitates return processing.
6. International Student Considerations
   • International students on F-1 or J-1 visas must consult the ISSO and follow specialized protocols:
     • Generally expected to leave the U.S. immediately on leave.
     • Must file a leave request with both BU and ISSO portals.
     • Immigration status and re-entry depend on ISSO guidance.
7. Key Responsibilities & Recommendations
   • Maintain active enrollment or approved leave status every fall and spring semester through graduation to avoid academic discontinuation.
   • Inform employers regarding a change in student employment status.
   • Contact USC, Financial Assistance, ISSO, Student Health Services, and other offices to ensure smooth processing and understand individual impacts.

Final Note

Taking a leave of absence involves multiple important and interrelated consequences across academics, finances, housing, health insurance, and immigration (for international students). Early planning and communication with relevant university offices (USC, academic advisor, Financial Assistance, Student Health, ISSO) are essential to managing these impacts effectively and preserving your academic progress and eligibility. 

Deadline  

The University establishes the semester deadlines for leaves of absence and withdrawals; these may be viewed on the University Registrar’s website, under “Semester Dates” and “Withdrawals and Tuition Refund Schedules.” The last day to arrange a semester leave or withdrawal is typically around the 12th week of the semester (view specific dates using link above). The deadline to arrange leave/withdrawal with cancellation of semester charges is _prior to_ the start of the term, see “withdrawals and tuition refund schedules” link above.  

If the semester deadline for a leave of absence has passed, and a medical or other emergency arises which will prevent you from taking your scheduled finals, you should contact your academic advising office or School/College dean’s office for assistance. 

It depends. Sometimes students need to miss class for a few days due to an illness or a family emergency. It is very important to notify each of your professors of your absence as soon as possible; a call to your academic advising office or dean’s office is usually a good idea. Students are expected to make arrangements with their instructors to complete any missed work. In many cases, a short absence from classes, with conscientious follow-up on your part, will not prevent you from successfully completing the semester.  

In cases of serious illness or injury, a student may not be able to finish the semester coursework and a leave of absence may be necessary. Your advising team can help you determine the best next step for your situation. 

Situations vary widely. To explore alternatives to taking a leave or withdrawing, it’s important to consult with appropriate BU and other resources based on your specific circumstances. These might include your academic advising team, medical providers, family, trusted friends, BU Financial Assistance, the Office of Disability and Access Services (for academic accommodations), International Students and Scholars Office (for students on F-1/J-1 visas), and others to figure out what is best.

If you need to interrupt your studies, arranging a leave of absence in advance of the start of classes is ideal.

• Life doesn’t always respect BU semester calendars of course. If your semester is underway, and you are worried you can’t finish your classes, you should definitely reach out to the listed resources to discuss your options. Start out by exploring alternatives to leave of absence (maybe you can arrange schedule adjustments or helpful accommodations). If medically or academically though, you won’t be able to finish your classes, your BU resources will connect you to the (mid-semester) leave of absence process.

You must complete the loan exit counseling requirements for federal (Stafford, Perkins) loans and for Massachusetts No Interest Loans (NIL) online.  If you have private educational loans, you should contact the lender directly for guidance.  

First, contact the External Study Abroad Office for information and a comprehensive checklist of steps to take before, during, and after your semester studying away from BU. Then set up an appointment to speak with the Assistant Director for External Programs.  Once you have completed the necessary steps, then you may submit your leave of absence request following these instructions.  

Yes. Before submitting a request for leave of absence or withdrawal, you must contact your International Student Advisor at the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). After you speak with your ISSO advisor, follow the remaining instructions for requesting a leave of absence or withdrawal.  

Return-from-leave semester will vary based on your situation. If you are taking a planned-in-advance leave (for a non-BU study abroad, a work experience, or family reasons), determine how long you need to be away from your studies—usually a semester, or an academic or calendar year. Talk with your advisor about the time away, and go over course offerings to ensure you are returning in sync with the courses you need to complete your degree. You should also look through the return-from-leave/re-enrollment timelines, to ensure you will be able to complete all steps on time and in the suggested order, while you are away.

If you are taking a leave for medical reasons, especially due to a mid-semester health emergency, it is generally advisable to take at least one full semester away (in addition to the interrupted-study semester). That allows time to attend to health needs, and allows for completion of medical review and the smoothest possible re-enrollment.

If you aren’t certain about your leave duration, pick a shorter duration, and then extend as needed.

I understand it is my responsibility to keep contact information up to date in my student portal, and to check my BU student email account or to arrange email forwarding.*

I have obtained any necessary approvals or signatures and understand if I have not arranged this, my request may not be processed. I am aware my request is effective the date all required materials and approvals are received by the University, and my tuition and fees will be adjusted according to the published refund schedule, using that date.*

I understand the residence checkout process (if applicable) and how this affects financial adjustments to my student account. (Information on housing guarantee payment refunds as well as housing charge adjustments can be reviewed in the Terms and Conditions of the most recent version of the Residence License Agreement, available online at bu.edu/housing.

I understand that if I am studying on a student visa (F1, J1, etc) it is my responsibility to consult with the International Students and Scholars Office (isso@bu.edu) to discuss the implications of any action on my SEVIS/immigration records prior to arranging a leave or withdrawal. I understand that if I proceed with a leave or withdrawal, my SEVIS/immigration records will be updated accordingly; this may impact my ability to remain in the U.S. and/or to travel to the U.S. in the future.

I understand it is my responsibility to discuss my planned leave of absence or withdrawal with my head coach and the associate athletics director for compliance before finalizing any action with the University Service Center.

I understand it is my responsibility to consult with an academic advisor about the academic implications of a leave or withdrawal prior to finalizing this request.*

• • BU attendance policy: https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/attendance/
  • BU bereavement policy for students: https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/student-bereavement/
  • Registration: https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/registration/
  • Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Reinstatement policy: https://www.bu.edu/academics/policies/withdrawal-leave-of-absence-and-reinstatement/