“How long can I be on a Leave of Absence?”
Undergraduate students are allowed to be on Leave for up to two years. Graduate students can be on Leave for up to one year, and can petition the Office of Graduate Studies to extend their Leave an additional year.
“How does a Leave affect my on-campus housing?”
If a student living on campus decides to take a leave or withdrawal mid-semester, they are expected to move out of the housing assignment within 24 hours of submitting their paperwork. If a student is going on a health leave, they may be able to stay for 48 hours. If there is some reason why a student should be granted an extension for move-out, they have to coordinate with Housing and Residential Education. Students will continue to be charged for housing until they have moved out all personal belongings and returned their key to Housing and Residential Education.
It’s important to know that students who take a Leave of Absence from Emerson College will no longer have guaranteed housing upon their return. The only exception to this rule is participation in the Disney College Program. Students participating in the Disney program should communicate their plans to Housing and Residential Education.
“Can I still participate in campus activities while I’m on Leave?”
Students are not allowed to participate in varsity sports, course work, extracurriculars, co-curriculars, or work on campus through the Student Employment program while they are on leave. Students taking a leave or withdrawal will lose tap access to campus buildings 24-48 hours after their notification is processed. That means that if you wanted to come to campus to see your friend’s improv troupe or go to an author Q & A at the Bordy, you would need to be signed in as a guest by someone who is an active member of the Emerson community.