Leaves of Absence
Skidmore understands that there are times in studentsā lives when they must pause their academic journey for any number of personal or medical reasons. Students may take a one-semester medical or personal leave of absence. It is possible for students to have more than one leave during their college career. Prior to taking a leave of absence, we encourage students to talk with an academic advisor about their plans. Students are also expected to continue to check their Skidmore email while on leave for all official communications from the college.
The Office of Academic Advising implements the administrative process surrounding Personal/Medical Leaves of Absence on behalf of the Committee on Academic Standing.
Policies on Leaves of Absence
Duration of Leave
Students may apply for a personal or medical leave of absence for one or two semesters (First-Year students see additional note below). Students who apply for a leave for one semester may make a request in writing to have their leave extended for a second semester. The maximum duration of a leave is two sequential semesters. A student with extenuating circumstances (e.g., typically medical reasons) who takes two sequential semester leaves and wishes to take a third may petition the Committee on Academic Standing. Not all petitions are approved. Students with military service obligations are exempt from the limit of three semesters on leave.
If students do not return to study in the semester they indicate on their application, they are administratively withdrawn from the College and may apply for readmission.
Effective Date
A leave of absence is effective the date the completed, signed application form is received by the Office of Academic Advising from the student. Incomplete forms will not be processed. This effective date is used for calculating billing and refunds, and for assessing financial liability in accordance with the Withdrawals and Leaves of Absence policy and the Refund and Liability Schedule from the Bursar's Office.
Enrollment and Grades
Students who apply for a leave during a fall/spring semester are deregistered from their courses and receive nonpunitive grades of āLā for the term, unless a grade has already been recorded by the Office of the Registrar.
First-Year Students
First-year students may apply to take a leave of absence for one or two semesters. Leaves for one semester are not automatically granted. Applications for a one-semester leave during the student's first term should describe the student's academic progress and challenges during their first semester and provide a detailed academic plan that will maximize their chances for success upon return to the College. The Director of the First-Year Experience (DFYE) reviews and approves these applications on behalf of the Committee on Academic Standing (CAS). To prepare for their return, students taking a one-semester leave in the fall term must meet with the DFYE prior to their spring registration.
Financial Aid
A leave of absence may affect studentsā eligibility for financial aid, their repayment schedule of federal loans, and their eligibility for athletic team competition. For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
On-Campus Housing
Once a completed application has been submitted, Residential Life will be notified, and students must vacate their room within 24 hours.
Completing college coursework While On Leave
Students may use the Transfer Credit Approval Form to transfer up to 18 credits per semester while they are on leave, in accordance with the Transfer Credit Policies. Transfer credit is awarded for courses completed with a grade of āCā or better. It is studentsā responsibility to send official transcripts to Skidmoreās Office of the Registrar upon completion of the course work.
Students may not use a leave of absence for international Off-Campus Study and Exchanges. This does not apply to international students proposing to study at an accredited university or college in their home country.
Parent / Guardian Notification
Students' parents/guardians will be copied on correspondence about a change in students' status as a result of taking a leave unless students have a "Do Not Release" for their academic record on file with the Office of the Registrar.
Personal Leave of Absence
The last day to apply for a personal leave of absence for the Fall 2024 semester is Thursday, November 14th, 2024. Personal leaves are not granted after the deadline. However, in exceptional circumstances, students may submit a petition to the Committee on Academic Standing.
Medical Leave of Absence
The last day to apply for a medical leave of absence for the Fall 2024 semester is Wednesday, December 11th, 2024, which aligns with the last day of classes. Medical leaves are not granted after the deadline. However, in exceptional circumstances, students may submit a petition to the Committee on Academic Standing.
³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻing medical documentation is not required at the time students apply to take a medical leave. However, the College requires supporting medical documentation when students apply to return from a medical leave (see "Return from Medical Leave").
Students who have paid for a as part of their semester bill may be eligible to submit an insurance claim for reimbursement that extends beyond the Bursar's Refund and Liability Schedule.
Return from MEDICAL Leave
Students must apply to return from a medical leave by the posted deadlines below. The application requires students to include an academic plan and provide supporting medical documentation. As a demonstration of enacting their academic plan, students must also be registered for the courses that they intend to take before submitting their application.
³Ō¹Ļ±¬ĮĻing Medical Documentation
When applying to return from a medical leave, the College requires a letter of support from a licensed clinician/physician to make recommendations about a studentās ability to return to college and be successful. The letter of support must be on office letterhead from a licensed clinician/physician who has treated the student for the symptoms that led to their medical leave. The provider may not be related to the student or their family. The letter must be originated, signed, and dated from a licensed mental health or medical provider such as the following:
- Physician (MD)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
- Social Worker (LMSW, LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC)
Deadlines to Return from Medical Leave
- To return for Fall 2024, applications must be received by July 15, 2024.
- To return for Spring 2025, applications must be received by December 10, 2024.
- To return for Summer 2025, applications must be received by May 1, 2025.
Applications will not be reviewed or processed until all requested materials have been received by the stated deadlines. Applications will not be considered after the deadline.