Interruptions in Attendance
The following information outlines various leave and withdrawal options. Students are responsible for following all University policies before a leave or withdrawal is official. This may include but is not limited to returning ID cards, and keys and obtaining all appropriate University signatures and approvals. University refund policies apply. Full-time students should contact the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Science before they return from a leave. Part-time students should contact the Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions Office before they return from a leave. Students who do not return at the end of the leave or do not obtain an extension must apply for readmission. Students on leave must follow University policy before they return to the University.
Leave of Absence
Full-time students may request approval for a leave of absence for good reason from the assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Leaves are generally approved for one semester but an extension for an additional semester may be requested.
Part-time students should contact an Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor. Graduation requirements in effect for students at the time their approved leave begins will remain in effect when they return from their leave under the following conditions:
- They are in good academic and disciplinary standing at Sacred Heart University when their leave begins. If a student is later placed on academic warning, put on probation, dismissed, suspended, or expelled as the result of a judicial decision, the sanctions in place take precedence over the leave of absence.
- They may not take courses at another institution without prior written approval from the advisor, the department chair, the dean of their college, and a review by the Registrar.
- The leave is limited to one semester but may be renewed for additional semester(s) with written permission from the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or an Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor.
This policy does not bind the University to alter their curricula or major program, which may have been discontinued or substantially altered during the approved leave of absence. Students who change their major upon return will be under the major requirements in effect at the time of their return.
The student is responsible for obtaining all relevant information that may affect their standing and benefits including but not limited to financial aid and veteran’s benefits. A student on approved leave is considered to be in continuous matriculation during that leave period. If a student does not return after the leave or extend it, the student must go through the readmission process to return.
Medical Leave of Absence
Students who must leave the University prior to the start of classes because of a documented medical condition may request a medical leave of absence. Full-time students may request approval for medical leave of absence from the assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, who will consult with Health Services or Counseling as appropriate. Part-time students should contact an Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor.
Documentation of the serious nature of the medical condition must be provided. Medical leaves are generally approved for one semester but may be renewed for one additional semester with written permission from the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences or an Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor. Students may return at the end of the leave when medical clearance is provided by Health Services/Director of Counseling based on appropriate documentation presented. They may not take courses at another institution without prior written approval from the advisor, the department chair, dean of their college, and a review by the Registrar.
This policy does not bind the University to alter their curricula or major program, which may have been discontinued or substantially altered during the approved leave of absence. Students who change their major upon return will be under the major requirements in effect at the time of their return. The student is responsible for obtaining all relevant information that may affect their standing and benefits including but not limited to financial aid and veteran’s benefits.
A student on approved medical leave is considered to be in continuous matriculation during that leave period. If a student does not return after the leave or extend it, he or she must go through the readmission process to return.
Military Leave of Absence
Full-time students called to active duty while enrolled in the University should contact the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Part-time students should contact an Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor. Students must present proof of being called to active duty. Students wishing to obtain a military leave of absence may be offered the following options after the assistant dean or Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor confers with financial aid, instructors, and other University officials:
- Withdrawing from the courses with a full tuition refund or tuition credit, in accordance with University and government guidelines.
- If a student completed at least 70% of the coursework and upon recommendation of his or her dean, the student may elect to take incompletes and make special arrangements for course completion with individual instructors.
- Students are eligible to return within one year following active duty. However, the degree requirements may have changed, and the student may be required to comply with degree program requirements in effect at the time of their return to the University.
Complete Withdrawal from the University
Full-time students wishing to drop or withdraw from all their courses and thereby discontinue their enrollment must meet with the assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Part-time students should contact the Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor. Students will not be allowed to drop or withdraw from their last registered course of the term without meeting with the Assistant Dean or Undergraduate Part-Time Admissions advisor.
University withdrawal is not official until the student meets with the appropriate University representative(s) and completes official forms. Any refunds will be determined by the official date of the withdrawal. All fees are non-refundable.
If a student withdraws from the University prior to and through the end of the add/drop period, the courses will not appear on the student’s transcript. A “W” grade will be recorded and appear on the transcript if the student withdraws from the University after the add/drop period.