Leave of Absence FAQ for Drama
What are the reasons for taking a Leave of Absence?
Financial
You may not have assembled the necessary funds, or you may have an outstanding balance to the University. When students have not worked out their financial issues by the start of the semester, and have already spoken to Dory Smith-Wilson and exhausted the scholarship and loan possibilities, they are often advised to take a Leave of Absence. The time away may be used to assemble the funds, enabling students to start fresh at the beginning of the following term. Many students who wait too long to take this leave find themselves being repeatedly de-enrolled, thus missing too much work to make up.
Personal
You may be experiencing personal or family problems and may not be able to function at school as a result. Depending on the nature of these issues, the student may request either a personal leave (LOA) or a medical leave (MLA). These different type of leave options function similarly, but a student out on an LOA may return with only a personal letter of intent, while an MLA requires the student to receive an additional statement from the University counselor certifying that the student is psychologically prepared to return.
Medical
An illness may prevent you from participating in class. Often, a physical ailment such as a broken leg could keep a student from being fully involved in Studio classes. Other illnesses may require extended hospitalization or absence. Depending on when the student becomes ill and how quickly he or she recovers, the students may not be able to make up missed work; in this case, a Medical Leave is recommended.
Mandatory (Probation, etc)
A student on Probation may be required to take a Leave of Absence. Students sometimes show their unwillingness to be here through repeated under-performance and need time to reflect or gather the resources with which to successfully engage in the program.
topWhat about Housing and Financial Aid?
Students are responsible for making all arrangements for their Financial Aid and Housing needs, both upon their departure and on their return. (Financial Aid 212-998-4444; Housing Office 212-998-4600).
topHow long is my leave approved for?
A leave is granted for the term stated in the approval letter (typically the term the student requested). The limit for consecutive leaves of absence is two academic years (or 4 semesters).
topWhat should I do to return or extend my leave?
Students must notify the Department of Drama and Student Affairs in writing about their intention to return. Their approval letter contains the deadlines by which we should hear from them in order to be cleared for registration with the rest of their class. (Generally 6 weeks before registration begins - For a Fall return, contact us by March; for a Spring return, contact us by October). The limit for consecutive leaves of absence is two academic years (or 4 semesters). If students need to extend their leave, they must formally request an extension, by repeating the original request procedure.
topCan I take classes somewhere else while I'm on a Leave of Absence?
Students who are granted a Leave of Absence or a Medical Leave are forbidden from taking courses at another academic institution. Any students wishing to register elsewhere must instead request (and be granted) a Permit to Register Off-Campus, by contacting Beth Turner.
topWho is my advisor while I'm on Leave?
Because of the special circumstances and requirements surrounding a leave, students on leave are advised by Daniel Spector.
