Leave of Absence FAQ
F-1 and J-1 students are required to consult with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) before completing a Leave of Absence application.
General Policy Questions
Students can find the Leave of Absence application in TruView.
- In TruView, go to Shortcuts > Registration Tool.
- Click on Leave of Absence link.
- Select Leave of Absence Plan Application.
The completed application will be sent to the appropriate offices for review. You may be contacted for more information after the application is submitted. You will be notified by email when your request for Leave of Absence has been approved.
Notice for International Students: F-1 & J-1 students are required to consult with the Center for International Students before completing a Leave of Absence application.
A Leave of Absence is appropriate for students who are not planning to be enrolled at Truman up to two full semesters.* Students taking time away for study abroad, an internship or employment opportunity, family responsibilities, financial difficulties, medical issues or concerns (physical and/or mental health), or emergency situations are eligible for a Leave of Absence. In foreseeable situations, applications for a Leave of Absence should be submitted the semester prior to the student’s leave. In unforeseeable circumstances or emergency situations, a Leave of Absence may be requested at any time.
Notice for International Students: F-1 & J-1 students are required to consult with the Center for International Students before completing a Leave of Absence application.
*Excluding Summer Term, August Interim, or Winter Interim. These terms will not count as part of your two semesters.
A Leave of Absence takes effect on the date a student specifies on their application. Whenever possible, a leave should take effect on the date you submit your application. Because of state reporting requirements, leave applications submitted before the last day to drop a full-semester course without a ‘W’ (the end of free add/drop week) may take effect after that date. This date is usually in the fourth week of school and can be found on the Registrar’s website.
A Leave of Absence can last up to two full semesters,* not including the semester in which the Leave of Absence commenced if a Leave of Absence began prior to the conclusion of a semester. Failure to return within the time specified may result in the loss of your Truman scholarship(s) and you may be required to apply to be readmitted at Truman. See “What if I decide to change the length of my Leave of Absence?” for more information.
*Excluding Summer Term, August Interim, or Winter Interim. These terms will not count as part of your two semesters.
Students may not take two Leaves of Absence consecutively without special permission by the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu). You may, after returning to Truman for at least one academic semester, apply for a second Leave of Absence. Second Leaves of Absence will be closely scrutinized to ensure that students are making appropriate progress toward their degree. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
A request for a Leave of Absence may be denied if the student’s application is inconsistent with the purpose of a Leave of Absence as defined above.
Students on a Leave of Absence are still considered Truman students and are, therefore, subject to the Student Conduct Code. If a student on Leave of Absence commits an egregious violation of the Student Conduct Code, their leave may be rescinded. A Leave of Absence could also be rescinded if a student does not comply with the approved plan or purposefully misrepresents information on the application.
Students in the U.S. on an F-1 or J-1 visa must consult with the Center for International Students (CIS) in BH 104 or at iso01@truman.edu before completing the Leave of Absence (LOA) Application.
Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to maintain full-time status every semester they are present in the U.S. An International student who is not enrolled in classes while in the U.S. is not in legal status. When F-1 or J-1 students withdraw from classes or decide not to attend the university for the next semester, they will have their SEVIS Record terminated, leaving them only 15 days to depart the U.S.
The process a student uses to return to the U.S. depends on the length of their absence.
· An absence of less than five months is considered temporary, and the student can apply to the CIS to have their terminated SEVIS Record ‘reactivated’ so they can enter the U.S. on their current I-20.
· An absence of more than five months is considered permanent and requires the student to apply to the CIS for a new SEVIS Record and I-20.
In most cases, a Leave of Absence is preferred over the medical withdrawal. A Leave of Absence allows a student to receive the necessary medical care to address their health condition without the stresses of classes and with a clear understanding that their Leave of Absence has been approved and a plan is in place to assist in their return. Medical Withdrawals are appropriate only when a student develops a medical condition late in the semester that prohibits the student from academic performance consistent with their ability late in the semester.
Taking Leave Mid-Semester
Whether or not you will be able to complete your courses depends on the specific courses and instructors. In some cases, instructors may allow you to finish a course through alternative arrangements or through an incomplete. You should consult with your instructors and your academic advisor about what options work best for your situation. Taking a Leave of Absence does not guarantee a tuition refund or that you will avoid “W”s (withdraws) or on your transcript.
Students can only take an Incomplete (IC) for a course with the instructor’s approval. Students will need ask their instructor to complete the Incomplete Agreement Form, available at their departmental office. The instructor and student will negotiate an appropriate final deadline for coursework and the grade that will be recorded if the student does not complete their work by the agreed upon date.While an incomplete for a course does not affect your GPA for that semester, it also does not count as completed credit hours until an official grade is assigned. An IC will not defer decisions based on your completed credit hours, like your scholarship eligibility and your academic standing. It is preferable to complete all coursework within the regular semester rather than take an incomplete.
For students living on campus at the time of their LOA application submission, the Student Housing Assistant is notified of their intent to leave campus. Residence Life will connect with the student’s Student Advisor to begin the checkout process. The Residence Life Office is reasonable in providing students a sufficient amount of time to move out of their room, so students should communicate how much time they need.
Financial Questions
A student’s Truman-funded financial assistance remains in place during their Leave of Absence and resumes when they return to full-time status as long as the student is academically eligible to receive such aid. Federal*, State of Missouri, Truman Foundation and private sources of finance aid have other rules and expectations that may be impacted by a Leave of Absence. Students are responsible for determining and addressing the consequence of a Leave of Absence in situations where they are receiving financial assistance from a source other than Truman.
*Truman’s Leave of Absence is not a Return of Title IV Funds-approved leave of absence. If a student leaves during a semester it must be treated as a withdrawal and the enrollment status must be reported accordingly to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
Changing My Leave of Absence Plan
If you decide to return from your Leave of Absence earlier or later than you originally planned, contact the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu). Remember that we can only hold your Truman scholarship for two semesters.* You should also check with the Financial Aid Office to determine the effects of a longer Leave of Absence on any federal, state, or Foundation-funded financial aid. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
*Excluding Summer Term, August Interim, or Winter Interim. These terms will not count as part of your two semesters.
Based on a given student’s circumstances, you may decide not to return after your Leave of Absence. We appreciate it if you notify the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu) about this change. This individual is also happy to discuss any concerns or issues you may have about returning and strategize your options. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
During Leave and Returning From Leave
Review the “Returning From Leave” section for detailed information on the process for returning from leave. In general, students should enroll in courses, connect with Financial Aid and Student Accounts, and for those living on campus, they should complete a housing application with the Residence Life Office. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave. For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu).
Yes, you are allowed to register for classes during the semester you intend to return during your Leave of Absence. You will need to connect with your academic advisor to discuss courses and be cleared to register.
It is possible to take courses at other institutions during a Leave of Absence. Students should indicate that they plan to do so in your Leave of Absence application or notify the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu) once you make the decision to enroll at another institution. We recommend checking with your academic advisor to ensure that the courses you take will transfer to Truman. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
You will be notified regarding the approval or disapproval of your Leave of Absence application, which is approved by the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu). Please make sure to regularly check your Truman email as this is the way any official campus communication will be sent. You will receive email updates from the Registrar’s Office when it is time to register for classes, and communication from your academic advisor about being cleared to register. You will be contacted by the Academic Standards Chair in the weeks prior to your indicated return semester on your application. Other communication will need to be initiated by the student. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
Students should contact the Academic Standards Chair (appeals@truman.edu) with any questions about the Leave of Absence process or to troubleshoot problems. International students should also maintain contact with the Center for International Students (iso01@truman.edu) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to their leave.
- What you still have access to during your Leave of Absence:
Advising services, TruView, email, and some library services. You will also be subject to the Student Conduct Code during your Leave of Absence. - What you will NOT have access to during your Leave of Absence:
You will not be allowed to live in the Residence Halls, utilize the Student Recreation Center, Student Health Center, University Counseling Services, or attend events funded by the Student Activities Board during your leave because you will not be paying the fees required to support these services. Since you will not be enrolled in Truman classes during the semesters of your leave, the Registrar’s Office will not be able to verify your enrollment for those semesters for automobile insurance or other purposes, nor will you be able to hold a leadership position in a student organization.