Students may step away from Washington University for academic, personal, military, or medical reasons. Students should review the parameters provided by the Office of the University Registrar, as well as those provided by the College of Arts & Sciences, in collaboration with their four-year advisor. Additional information, materials, or details may be requested as part of the process to review your request to take a leave or return to WashU.
This page explains the types of Time Away, how to request them, and what’s required for Reinstatement. By following the formal procedures outlined by the Registrar, students ensure accurate and timely updates related to enrollments, grades, accounts, and statuses.
Key Considerations
Students should verify their academic program policies and any other relevant requirements (e.g., immigration, financial aid, or scholarship rules) before requesting leave or reinstatement.
Students granted a temporary leave from the University will not have access to University privileges such as recreation facilities and libraries, and are not permitted to participate in campus clubs and activities during their leave.
While on an approved leave, students retain general access to workday and email for up to two years.
Students requesting leave for medical reasons must consult with Student Health Services and WashU Cares to ensure preparedness and connection to supports.
Students who do not request and receive approval for reinstatement within two years will have their records withdrawn and will need to complete the Re-Enter Application to initiate their return to the University.
Students should be aware of all deadlines related to requesting leaves or reinstatement.
For complete University policies, see:
Time Away, Leave of Absence, Institutional Withdrawal
Strengthen your study and learning strategies to support future academic success. Take up to 6 approved transferable credits per semester at another institution (excluding your final degree semester). If credit-bearing options are not available, discuss non-credit courses, tutoring, or skill workshops in writing, math, or study strategies through the Learning Center or similar programs. Revisit prior WashU coursework or develop a short-term academic improvement plan focused on areas needing growth.
Personal and Executive Functioning Growth
Enhance self-management, motivation, and decision-making skills. Work with a counselor, coach, or mentor to strengthen time management, organization, and stress-regulation strategies. Practice using structured planning tools or systems (e.g., Google Calendar, Notion, My Study Life). Participate in mindfulness, resilience, or skill-building programs to improve focus and accountability.
Applied or Experiential Learning
Reinforce purpose, structure, and transferable skills through hands-on learning and professional experiences. Review the Arts & Sciences Policies and Procedures for guidance on internship credit, external study opportunities, and leave requirements while away. Engage in internships, employment, community service, or military service that develop academic, professional, or leadership skills. Participate in approved off-campus or non-WashU study abroad programs with appropriate leave and course approvals. Engage in community service or professional activities that build structure, accountability, and leadership.
Support your physical and emotional wellness to sustain academic progress. Continue or complete any medical or mental health treatment plans recommended by your provider or WashU Cares. Build consistent routines for exercise, rest, and nutrition that promote well-being. Maintain regular check-ins with healthcare or support networks to track progress and stability.
Prepare early for a smooth, supported transition back to WashU. Stay in touch with your academic and four-year advisors to discuss readiness and degree progress. Draft and update your Academic and Financial Plans with advisor input before submitting your reinstatement request. Review the WashU Bulletin and Workday tools to understand current course offerings, prerequisites, and policies.
Time away from WashU can be an important opportunity to reflect, recover, and strengthen your foundation for academic and personal success. Whether your leave was voluntary or required, we encourage you to use this period intentionally — to regain balance, pursue meaningful experiences, or develop strategies that support your long-term goals.
Academic Time Away
Academic Time Away is assigned as a support if a student experiences severe academic difficulties that jeopardize their potential for timely degree completion.
How to Request: No request is needed.
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence (LOA) is a voluntary pause for personal, academic, military, or other reasons.
Note: Arts & Sciences undergraduate students who wish to take a leave to study abroad with a non-approved program must complete a Leave of Absence Request through Overseas Programs and Workday Student.
2025-2026 Deadlines
Leave of Absence Request Deadlines
November 14, 2025 for Fall 2025 (last day to withdraw from classes)
April 3, 2026 for Spring 2026 (last day to withdraw from classes)
Medical Leave of Absence Request Deadlines
December 5, 2025 for Fall 2025 (last day of classes for semester)
April 24, 2026 for Spring 2026 (last day of classes for semester)
Reinstatement Request Deadlines
December 1, 2025 for Spring 2026 return (semester begins January 12, 2026)
August 1, 2026 for Fall 2026 return
Returning to WashU
Reinstatement Checklist
Preparing to Return
It is recommended that you request early and not wait until the deadline to submit your materials. Before you submit a reinstatement request, you must:
Resolve all holds (financial, academic, health) Secure OISS approval (if international student needing visa sponsorship) Complete medical clearance (if returning from MLOA) Prepare submissions for reinstatement form (Statement of Purpose, Evidence of Change, Academic Plan, Financial Plan) Send official transcripts (if applicable) to college@wustl.edu Confirm deadlines in reinstatement letter Monitor WashU email for updates
Requests will not be considered if requirements are incomplete.
Reinstatement Requirements
How Your Request is Reviewed
Reinstatement requests are reviewed by the College Office and relevant University offices. Every reinstatement or return request is reviewed with care and attention to both your individual circumstances and your readiness to resume full-time study. Whether your time away was voluntary or required, your materials should reflect reflection, growth, and a clear plan for academic success.
We evaluate the following areas:
Statement of Purpose – Provide a clear and honest explanation of what led to your time away, what you’ve learned since, and how you plan to apply those lessons to succeed upon your return. This may include reflection on academic, personal, health-related, or experiential factors such as internships, employment, military service, or study abroad experiences that have contributed to your growth and focus.
Evidence of Change and Readiness – Articulate how your experiences demonstrate growth and progress through examples. You may also submit documentation such as updated transcripts, employment, internship, military, or volunteer records, letters from healthcare providers (not medical records), or other relevant materials. Students returning from a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) must include the required clearance and recommendation from WashU Cares confirming their readiness to return.
Academic Plan – Present realistic, actionable plans that show you are prepared to resume coursework and meet financial obligations. Your Academic Plan should include the following:
Provide a realistic degree completion timeline
List proposed courses for your first semester back and beyond as well as any continued experiential learning or professional development activities
Reflect on past challenges and strategies to address them
Identify support resources (Learning Center, Disability Resources, advising, etc.)
Financial Plan – Detail how you will fund your studies and maintain financial stability, including any scholarships, aid, or external funding sources related to your time away. Your Financial Plan should include the following:
Detail how you will fund your studies (aid, scholarships, personal/family funding)
Demonstrate awareness of financial responsibility for the degree, which may include institutional and federal aid regulations (such as Satisfactory Academic Progress) or other offerings (if applicable)
Plan for housing, dining, and living expenses (if applicable)
We also review:
Units remaining to graduate
OISS approval for visa sponsorship (international students)
Funding/financial aid eligibility
Number of past leaves or reinstatements
Deadlines & Eligibility
Request for reinstatement is best requested the semester prior or 6 weeks prior to the semester you wish to return.
If reinstated, all requirements must be complete before the first day of the reinstatement semester and by the deadlines in your reinstatement letter.
Deadlines are strictly enforced. Late or incomplete requests will not be reviewed.
Missed deadlines = reinstatement rescinded (final, no appeal).
Denied or rescinded students remain on leave and may apply for a future term.
Academic Time Away or Academic Suspension: You cannot initiate return in Workday. Contact Arts & Sciences College Office/Student Progress and Academic Success for next steps at artsciregistrar@wustl.edu.
We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, fairness, safety, and equity within our community. Your submission will be treated with great care and discretion, while we balance compliance and support to create a positive learning environment.
Mandated Reporting
Members of the WashU community may be required to forward reports of discrimination or harassment (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or other misconduct) to the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office or the Office of Institutional Equity. Staff from these offices may contact students to provide resources and outline options.
To ensure essential support is offered, your submission may be shared with campus partners such as WashU Cares, WUPD, Habif, Counseling and Psychological Services, Residence Life, Athletics, or Overseas Programs.
