Leaves of Absence

Matriculated undergraduate students who need to interrupt their studies for medical reasons (e.g., surgery, pregnancy, illness, rehabilitation, and other health-related circumstances) can request a Medical Leave of Absence directly from Student Advocacy & Support.  A Medical Leave of Absence may be granted for up to two consecutive semesters with appropriate medical documentation, however, approval will only be considered for one semester at a time.  When students apply for the leave, verification must be presented to the Student Advocacy & Support.  If the leave is granted, students may continue in the same program in which they had been enrolled prior to the leave without applying for readmission.  If the student is insured under the Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Plan (insurance plan available to UD students) the insurance will be valid for the term of coverage purchased. 

Students granted a Leave of Absence for medical reasons prior to the end of the free add/drop period will have no indication of individual class withdrawal on their transcripts and will have “UNIV500 Leave of Absence” appear on the transcript for the semester(s) for which the leave was granted.  For those students granted a Leave of Absence for medical reasons after the free add/drop period, a grade of “W” is recorded for each course during the affected semester.  Students granted a Leave of Absence for medical reasons after the free add/drop period may be eligible for a partial tuition rebate.

Undergraduate students who wish to engage in activities related to their educational objectives that require them to interrupt their studies at the University for a period not to exceed one year may be eligible, upon approval of the Assistant Dean of their college, for a Leave of Absence for academic reasons.  Requests for a Leave of Absence must be made for each semester separately and for no more than 2 consecutive semesters.  If the student is insured under the Voluntary Student Accident and Sickness Plan, the insurance will be valid for the term of the coverage purchased.  Coverage will not be extended beyond that period.

Students granted a Leave of Absence for academic reasons prior to the end of the free add/drop period will have “UNIV500 Leave of Absence” appear on their transcripts for the semester(s) for which the leave was granted and will be eligible for a full tuition rebate.

A student ordered to active duty, under circumstances that preclude completion of a semester or session, will be allowed to take a leave of absence from the University for up to two consecutive semesters. To request and finalize the leave of absence:

•  Please submit the Student Leave of Absence Notification Form and indicate the term in which your leave is scheduled
• Please send a copy of your military orders to us at vabenefits@udel.edu.

Special provisions of the University of Delaware Readmission Policy apply to students seeking readmission after performing military service. Enrolled military spouses who must move due to redeployment or relocation should consult with the academic assistant dean of their college before leaving the University.

To initiate a Leave of Absence for personal reasons, students should consult with the Assistant Dean of their college to determine if they are eligible.  Leaves of Absence for personal reasons must be approved before the end of the free add/drop period of the semester for which the leave is requested.

Students granted a Leave of Absence for personal reasons will have “UNIV500 Leave of Absence” appear on their transcripts for the semester(s) in which the leave was granted and will be eligible for a full tuition rebate.

Financial Obligation/Registration

A voluntary withdrawal in no way negates students’ financial responsibility to the University.  Students who are registered for courses incur a financial obligation to the University.  University policy stipulates that there is no rebate of tuition for course withdrawal after the free add/drop period (first two weeks of classes for regular semesters and then first four days of classes for summer and winter sessions).

Financial Aid

If a student is a recipient of any type of Federal financial aid, including Federal DL-Subsidized/Unsubsidized and Federal Plus, Federal Perkins Student Loans and Nursing Student Loans, the student should contact a Student Financial Services Advisor to receive guidance on the impact the withdrawal may have on receiving the offered Title IV funds and to complete Direct loan exit interview instructions.

Cancellation of Undergraduate Student Housing Contract

If a student currently lives in University Housing, they should review the Undergraduate Student Housing Contract to understand the policies and procedures related to Cancellations and Releases from this contract, the potential financial obligations, and expectations and procedures for checking out of the residence halls.  Students must vacate their residence hall within 48 hours of the withdrawal notification and check out properly.
Students wishing to live in University Housing upon their return should contact the Office of Residence Life & Housing to learn how to apply for housing and to receive information concerning deadlines for upcoming room assignment processes or to defer an existing application.

Dining Services

Students may clarify the status of their remaining refundable points or portions by contacting Dining Services by email at mealplans@udel.edu or by calling (302) 831-4033.  Refunds for students in University housing (excluding the Towers) will be prorated based on the date they are released from their Student Housing Agreement.