Leave of Absence Policy
The Leave of Absence policy allows undergraduate students to take a leave from Emerson for a period of up to two years. During this two-year period, undergraduate students may be readmitted to the College through the Academic Advising Center, without having to reapply through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Graduate student leaves are granted for one year, and students must submit a request to re-register before they plan to return.
Students may take a Leave of Absence for the following reasons:
- health issues
- financial difficulties
- study abroad opportunities through institutions other than Emerson
- familial obligations
- personal issues
To take a Leave of Absence, undergraduate students must report to the Dean of Students' Office (150 Boylston Street, 2nd Floor) to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Resident students who take a leave are required to vacate student housing immediately. All students who have taken a Leave of Absence are not eligible to participate in varsity or intramural athletics, student clubs or any Emerson-sponsored activity or organization.
Undergraduate students considering taking a leave of absence should talk with an academic advisor about their options, the process of taking a Leave of Absence, and the procedure and timeline of applying for readmission.
Graduate students considering taking a leave of absence must report to the Office of Graduate Studies (180 Tremont, 12th Floor) to fill out the appropriate paperwork. Students taking leaves will not be granted a corresponding extension of time available to finish their degrees.
