Leaving the College
Leave of Absence
Students may apply to take an approved Leave of Absence from Occidental College for academic or personal reasons. The leave may be approved for one or more semesters, and it must be taken beginning in the semester immediately following its approval. Students considering a Leave of Absence should consult with their academic advisers, the Dean of Students Office, and/or the associate dean of the College for student academic affairs. Application for a Leave of Absence should be submitted directly to the Registrar’s Office, which may consult with the Student Progress Committee before approval. If a leave is approved, the student must complete a “Leave/Withdrawal” form (available online) indicating that they have made appropriate arrangements with the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and Residential Education and Housing Services.
Withdrawal
A student experiencing severe academic or personal disruptions during a semester may petition to withdraw from all course work and receive grades of “W” in their classes. Students considering Withdrawal from the College should discuss their situations with academic advisers, the Dean of Students Office, and/or the associate dean of the College for student academic affairs. A petition for Withdrawal must be filed with the Office of the Registrar before the final day of classes in the semester of withdrawal. The withdrawing student must complete a "Leave/Withdrawal” form (available online) indicating that they have made appropriate arrangements with the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and Residential Education and Housing Services.
Any time a student withdraws from the college a grade of "W" will appear on each course the student is registered in for that semester. Students on a semester of academic concern who petition for Withdrawal from the College may be required by the Student Progress Committee to spend an additional semester’s Leave of Absence away from Occidental, take college courses elsewhere, and apply for readmission to the College.