This page was constructed to help you plan a departure from and return to the College. You are responsible for knowing the deadlines and procedures regarding leaves of absence and study out of residence. Missing deadlines can cost you money or delay your return to the College. If you are considering taking a leave of absence or studying out of residence, you should discuss your plans with Resident Dean Laura Hawkins. Contact Susan Hamel for an appointment.
Leaves of Absence Before Registration
In Good Standing: Students whose previous academic and disciplinary record is satisfactory will normally be granted a "leave of absence." Contact Laura about your plans for a leave of absence. A student in good standing who has been granted a leave of absence may ordinarily return for any term he/she wishes by notifying Laura six weeks in advance of that term.
On Probation (Academic or Disciplinary):
Students who are not in good standing may be granted a "leave of absence - on probation." A student who has been granted a "leave of absence - on probation" must petition the Administrative Board for permission to register and must provide the Board with evidence that he/she is ready to resume college studies.
Leaves of Absence During the Term
Before the 7th Monday: 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." Contact Judith about your plans for a leave of absence. A student in good standing who has been granted a leave of absence may ordinarily return for any term he/she wishes by notifying Laura six weeks in advance of that term.
After the 7th Monday: Students who petition after the seventh Monday of the term will normally be granted a "leave of absence - late in term." A student who has been granted a "leave of absence - late in term" must petition the Administrative Board for permission to register and must provide the Board with evidence that he/she is ready to resume college studies.
During Reading Period: No petitions for a leave of absence for any term will ordinarily be considered after the first day of Reading Period for that term.
A student granted a leave is expected to vacate University property no later than five business days after the effective (i.e., "as of") date of the leave voted by the Administrative Board. You must submit a Housing Contract Cancellation Form to avoid continued charges for housing. Before leaving campus, submit your room key to the Building Manager's Office. You may not store any belongings at the University while on leave.
Calendar for Returning Students
Returning students are responsible for knowing the dates relevant to their plans. Please note that you must coordinate your return with four separate offices: the Resident Dean's Office for business related to the Registrar and the Administrative Board, Student Financial Servides, the Office of Residential Life for housing applications and cancellation; and, the Quincy House Administrator's office for room assignments.
October: A financial aid application must be requested from the Financial Aid Office for a spring term return. This applies to all returning students, including those whose return requires the approval of the Administrative Board. More information (including the deadline) is available from the Financial Aid Office.
• October: A Returning Student Housing Application for the upcoming spring term is due to the Office of Residential Life from any student on leave who wishes to return to on-campus housing. Check the Office of Residential Life website for the specific deadline. Students who apply to return after this deadline are housed on a space available basis and given priority after all students who are guaranteed housing.
• November: A Housing Contract Cancellation Form is due to the Office of Residential Life in order to cancel upcoming spring term housing. Check the Office of Residential Life website for the specific deadline. Any student who submitted a Returning Student Housing Application for the spring and wishes to cancel it must do so at this time or be subject to a late cancellation fee.
• November: E-mail Laura and Susan with a brief statement describing how you have spent your time away and stating your intent to return to the College. Susan will then send the Registrar a Notice of Intention to Return.
• January: A financial aid application must be requested from the Financial Aid Office for a fall term return. This date applies to all returning students, including those whose return requires the approval of the Administrative Board. More information (including forms) is available from the Financial Aid Office.
• February: A Returning Student Housing Application for the upcoming fall term is due to the Office of Residential Life from any student on leave who wishes to return to on-campus housing. Check the Office of Residential Life website for the specific deadline. Students who apply to return after this deadline are housed on a space available basis and given priority after all students who are guaranteed housing.
• May: A Housing Contract Cancellation Form is due to the Office of Residential Life in order to cancel upcoming fall term housing. Check the Office of Residential Life website for the specific deadline. Any student who submitted a Returning Student Housing Application for the fall and wishes to cancel it must do so at this time or be subject to a late cancellation fee.
• June: E-mail Laura and Susan with a brief statement describing how you have spent your time away and stating your intent to return to the College. For a voluntary leave without complications, the office will then send the Registrar a Notice of Intention to Return.
Returning Students Requiring Administrative Board Approval
Any student required to withdraw or granted a leave of absence on probation or with Board and/or UHS riders must petition the full Administrative Board to be readmitted or allowed to register. You should contact Laura to discuss the petition and supporting documents (e.g., a personal statement, a letter of recommendation from an employer, an evaluation from a UHS clinician). The Board meets on Tuesdays from September through early June so plan accordingly to avoid delaying your return to the College.Room Assignments at Quincy
All questions regarding housing at Quincy (e.g., the housing lottery, room preferences, special accommodations) should be directed to Krystle Petrie, House Adminstrator (qu-ha[at]fas.harvard.edu, 617-495-2285).
Financial Obligations: If you receive scholarships or other financial aid, consult the Financial Aid Office concerning the financial implications of taking a leave. If you have borrowed money or received financial aid from Harvard, you must also have an exit interview at the Financial Aid Office.
International Students: If you are an international student planning a leave, consult the International Office concerning your visa status. International students are responsible for planning ahead so that Harvard can issue them an I-20 form for the purpose of re-entering the United States. More information is available from the International Office.
