Leave Policy

Students may need time away or feel the need to ‘stop out’ of college. The processes to take a voluntary leave are explained below.

Students may wish to stop out of Hiram College for a specified semester at a time for a variety of personal reasons which may include the desire to travel, attend to a family crisis, earn more money, or gain a sense of direction.  Students should request a leave before a term begins. In exceptional circumstances, beyond their control, a leave may be granted while a semester is in progress.

Students may take a leave for one semester or two (upon submission of leave renewal form). After the first or second leave semester, students must submit a return from leave form. Failure to submit a leave renewal or return form for the following semester will result in being withdrawn from the college as of last attendance.

To initiate a leave, students will complete the Leave Application and schedule an appointment with their advisor or the associate academic dean. In addition, the student must discuss the effect a leave will have on financial aid and billing with a financial aid counselor. Students should consult with other campus resources such as Student Accounts, Residential Education and Commuter Student Services, and Athletics (student athletes).

Administrative leave of absence may be granted if the student is unable to complete the leave application or at the discretion of the Senior Vice President and Dean of Students or Associate Dean of the College.

Students must complete a Leave Renewal Form prior to the start of each semester to retain their leave status. If a student fails to complete the leave renewal form, they are withdrawn. Hiram College requires withdrawn students to apply for readmission when they wish to return.

To return from a leave, students must complete a Leave Return Form prior to the start of the term they wish to return.

• Students will retain their email during the leave.
• Students may keep their iPad for one semester while on leave.  After that semester, they must return the iPad or be billed for it.
• Students are not allowed to live on campus or use facilities during a leave period since they are not maintaining full-time student status.

 Notes: A student who fails to return from a leave of absence will be withdrawn from Hiram College as of the date the student last attended classes. Any time away from the College will delay graduation.