Leave of Absence Policy

(effective Spring 2024)

Eligibility: All enrolled undergraduate students at Rider University are eligible to apply for a leave of absence. Students may not have an outstanding balance.

Advantage of taking a leave of absence: Undergraduate students are withdrawn for not selecting courses and lose access to Rider email. Requesting a leave of absence will maintain your active status with the university.

Procedures for Requesting a Leave of Absence:

1. Taking a leave of absence could result in significant financial implications. Students must contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss the impact of taking a Leave of Absence. They can be reached by phone at 609-896-5360 or email [email protected]. 
2. International students studying in the United States on a student visa should contact the Office of International Education before submitting a leave of absence request to the University, as taking a leave of absence can have significant visa-related implications. They can be reached by phone at 609-896-7717 or email [email protected].
3. Student-Athletes must contact the Director of Athletics and Compliance to discuss the impact of taking a Leave of Absence on their NCAA eligibility. They can be reached at 609-895-5642.
4. Students must submit a Leave of Absence Request Form. The request should include the reason for the leave and the anticipated length of the leave (one or two semesters).
5. A leave of absence must be requested prior to the first day of classes in a semester. Students are not eligible to apply for a leave of absence for the current term if they are enrolled in coursework for that same term.
6. Students may apply for a leave of absence for a variety of reasons, such as: family obligations, financial and exceptional personal circumstances. If a student needs time away from class for medical reasons, they should go through the Medical Withdrawal process. 
7. The Dean of Students and Academic Associate/Assistant Dean of their college will review the request.
8. Students will be notified in writing of the process within a reasonable period of time after the request is submitted.
9. A new code for Leave of Absence will be created to identify these students effectively.

Duration/Frequency of Leave: 

Leaves of absence will be for one semester. In exceptional circumstances, a leave of absence may be extended for an additional consecutive semester.

For timely progress toward graduation, consideration will only be given for one leave of absence. Students with exceptional circumstances should reach out to the Dean of Students Office. 

Returning from Leave:

1. Students must submit a Return from Leave of Absence Form to the Dean of Students office. Students on leave must complete their request to return by December 1 for the spring semester, April 1 for the summer semester, and July 1 for the fall semester. 
2. The Dean of Students and Academic Associate/Assistant Dean of their college will review the request.
3. Students will be notified in writing of the process by the Dean of Students, cosigned by the Academic Associate/Assistant Dean of their college, within a reasonable period of time after the request is submitted.
4. Academic status is the same upon return provided that appropriate programs and courses are offered or can be substituted.

Information for Students on a Leave of Absence:

1. Students on leave retain their status as enrolled students, but are not entitled to attend classes or use campus facilities.
2. Students on leave are not eligible to receive financial aid or other forms of assistance from the university.
3. Students returning from a leave of absence will follow the catalog year of their first admission term. 
4. Students are responsible for maintaining contact with the Dean of Students office while on leave and for providing any requested information or documentation.
5. Students on leave must return after one semester or two with an extension. Students will be withdrawn from Rider University if they do not complete a readmission form within that time frame.
6. Credits completed at other institutions while on academic leave are not eligible for transfer to Rider University. 

It is the student's responsibility to understand and comply with this policy. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the leave of absence and being withdrawn from Rider University.