To leave RPI in good standing please complete the following:

1. Contact a Support Dean to obtain a copy of the request form.
2. Complete the leave of absence request form.
3. Submit the form via email to a Support Dean.
4. Make an appointment with a Support Dean to review the form and complete your exit interview.

Email doso@rpi.edu.

Students may also be placed on an involuntary leave of absence from RPI. There are five possible scenarios that might apply:

• The student is unable to meet financial obligation to the Bursar’s Office. Any outstanding amount from a prior semester(s) must be paid in full (along with current semester bill) in order for reinstatement. If not, then the student is placed on a mandatory financial leave of absence with the effective date of the 1st day of classes.
• Medical or psychological professional staff determine that the student should not attend the semester. A mandatory leave of absence is placed on the student record with an effective date based on professional assessment.
• The Dean of Students Office declares an emergency removal from campus. A mandatory leave of absence is placed on the student record with an effective date to correspond to the actual emergency removal from campus.
• There is a disciplinary sanction such as a suspension or expulsion. A mandatory separation is placed on the student record with an effective date of when the actual sanction is issued.
• If a student does not register for classes during a particular semester, they are placed on an administrative leave of absence effective during that semester.

If students are voluntarily or involuntarily placed on leave, they should complete an exit interview with a support dean.  They must also go through the return process to return to campus, provided they are in clear financial standing and have met all the necessary requirements. Once students are placed on a leave of absence, they must verify the reinstatement deadline with the Dean of Students office if they choose to return to RPI.

If you plan to leave RPI permanently with no intention of returning you would request to withdraw. If you are in doubt, choose a leave of absence instead. The process for requesting a withdrawal is the same as outlined about; however, you will complete the withdrawal request form.

A leave of absence from RPI allows a student to take time away to seek treatment.  If you choose to pursue a leave, with an external or internal provider, you would make a detailed plan for your time away. 

We understand requesting a medical leave is a big step and we encourage you and your family to meet with us to discuss possible adjustments which may allow you to continue with your studies while simultaneously engaging in treatment. 

These may include:

• changing to part-time study and dropping a number of classes
• taking a short absence from classes to engage in intensive treatment and then returning
• incomplete grades
• an adjustment to your away semester schedule in lieu of a leave

There may be other adjustments which allow you to catch up or keep up. These are not always possible in all types of courses; therefore, a combination of remedies may be necessary. 

If you do decide to take a leave know that you are not alone. RPI has worked with many students and families to accommodate a leave and return. If possible, we strongly recommend having a family member present with you when discussing your leave. This way you have someone at home who knows what is needed and can support you in the process.

• Students on RPI HMO may elect to stay on our health plan for 6 months after their leave of absence. This means you will be able to continue with care while away. RPI can assist you in finding off site providers as well.
• Students can continue to use BHS services for 18 months after leave Rensselaer both the hotline support and tele-counseling services.
• Your RPI aid will not be removed; you will be eligible for RPI Aid upon return. Federal aid may change based on your FAFSA. We don’t want the affordability of your degree to change because you took a leave of absence.
• Students on a leave of absence retain access to SIS, RPI Email and several others systems for up to one calendar year from the effective date of your leave. You will be able to easily communicate with us, your faculty, various offices on campus and view your unofficial transcripts for planning purposes while away.
• International students are eligible to remain in the U.S., for up to a total of 12 months, with an approved medical leave.
• There is no maximum amount of time you can be away; we want you to return when you are ready.
• RPI makes decisions on returns with you based on the advisement of your treating professional. We want you to come back and be successful and we maintain a very high approval rating for returns. Most denials are procedural, i.e. missing paperwork, or holds on accounts.
• You can continue to communicate with us. During your time away we will send you periodic correspondence and reminders on readmission deadlines and requirements.
• When you are ready to return you can reach out directly to the Student Health Center with questions as well as the Dean of Students Office and a Support Dean. We will help you throughout the process. 

While you are part of the larger RPI community while away, because of your status as an inactive student it is important for you to understand how you can interact with RPI.

Communication

Please keep up relationships with friends via social media, email or meeting up off campus.  Additionally, you may continue to remain in contact with your faculty advisor and/or HUB and others with whom you have strong connections. And of course, keeping in touch with a Support Dean and keeping them updated on your plans is welcome.

Use of campus facilities

Those on a leave of absence are considered inactive students, and thus are not permitted to utilize campus resources including, but not limited to, classrooms, labs, recreational spaces, athletic facilities, campus housing, dining halls, and Institute services (ex. Student Health Center).  In general you are expected to remain off the campus while you are on a leave of absence.

Participation in Clubs and Organizations

We understand that connections to clubs and organizations is one of the hallmarks of the RPI experience.  While you are welcome to keep in contact with members of groups you belong to you are expected not to participate in clubs or attend any on campus events during your time away.

You and a Support Dean may have made a plan for possible activities you will engage in while away. Depending on the reason for your leave any number of activities may be appropriate. Here are our general suggestions. Note that the Student Health Center or Academic Standing committee may require specific activities, please refer to your leave of absence letter for details.

Students who engage in these activities while away are most successful when they return.

Take Your Time

It is recommended that students on a leave of absence remain away for enough time to sufficiently address the reasons for their leave, typically a year. While some students do return after a semester there is often not enough time between the leave date and the return application date to address the reasons for the leave. RPI does not have a time out policy - you can return when you are ready and pick up where you left off.

Get the Help You Need

We strongly recommend seeking support from family, friends, and formal treatment from doctors, therapists, etc. as appropriate. Learn more about health related requirements here.

Take Classes

Many students find it helpful to engage in academic work while away. This may help you stay on track academically, and if academics were part of the reason for your leave, taking courses helps to demonstrate you are ready to return. You can find out more about transfer credits here. Information on returning from academic dismissal or suspension

Work, engage in new activities, and pursue vocational counseling

Depending on the reason for you leave you may choose to work or explore new possible majors and careers. This is especially helpful if you left to take time to figure out what you want to do.

Schedule an exit interview with a Support Dean

Together, you will develop a plan for your leave of absence and learn about the return process, including deadlines (Summer: April 1; Fall: June 1; Spring: November 1) and requirements.

Speak to your family

It is important that your network of support outside of campus is able to assist you in this transition. Your parent/guardian will also be notified when your leave of absence is processed.

Check out with Student Living and Learning (if applicable)

If you live in a residence hall, you must check out. Be sure to make arrangements to be entirely moved out 48 hours from the effective date of your leave or sooner as determined by your Class Dean. Make sure to return your key.

Contact the Associate Dean of Off-Campus Commons or Greek Chapter Leadership (if applicable)

Whether you are leasing alone or with friends, the Associate Dean can be a resource for you to negotiate with your landlord and work with your roommates (i.e. getting out of your lease, paying lower rent, subleasing).

Pay all outstanding charges and complete student loan exit counseling

You may contact the Bursar directly to settle your account. If you have a remaining balance, your personal leave will be overridden by a mandatory financial leave of absence with additional return stipulations. If you have taken out federal student loans, be sure to complete the Federal Student Aid exit counseling online.

Notify ISSS (if applicable)

If you are on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must contact ISSS immediately to inform them you intend to leave RPI. ISSS must take action on your status within a short time frame of submitting your request to the Dean of Students Office, so it is important to speak with them to understand your time frame

Determine a termination date of RPI HMO (if applicable)

If you receive your health insurance through RPI, you may elect to keep it during your time away by contacting the Student Health Center (call 518-276-6287, or email healthins@rpi.edu), otherwise your plan will terminate.

RPI online accounts

As of May 2024, students taking a leave of absence will retain access to SIS, Microsoft Office Suite (including Outlook email), Duo, LMS, and Box for one calendar year from the effective date of the leave. Be sure to continue checking your RPI email throughout your leave of absence. Please note that Handshake, and other RPI-affiliated accounts will be deactivated while a student is on leave. If you have withdrawn from RPI or transferred to another school, all of your RPI accounts will be deactivated.

Check on transfer courses

Many students take courses while on a leave of absence to stay on top of academics, progress with degree requirements, or to maintain a sense of routine. If you do so, we recommend that you first meet with your academic advisor to determine appropriate transfer courses. You can view courses that have already been evaluated in the Transfer Course Guide, along with the Transfer Credit Approval Form.

Speak to your Academic Advisor as needed

Please speak to your advisor about how a leave of absence will impact your overall academic progress and time to graduation. You will also need their approval on your updated plan of study when you apply to return. Be sure to include your away semester in the plan.

• Summer Semester: April 1
• Fall Semester: June 1
• Spring Semester: Nov 1

We want to help you complete your degree at RPI. Students who wish to return to RPI for the purpose of graduation only are eligible for Final Administrative Readmission. 

You are eligible for FAR if:

• You have 8 or fewer credits to complete for your degree which you plan to transfer back to RPI. You can register for FAR the same semester you are enrolled in the courses or after you have completed them. All transfer credit requirements remain in place including requisite approvals. Visit the Registrar's website for more information >>
• You had a hold for an outstanding balance or other hold on your account which prevented graduation and is now lifted.
• You were scheduled to graduate in a given semester to did not meet the requirements at the time degrees were conferred but now meet the requirements. Examples include completing a senior F exam, completing an Incomplete or No Examination grade.

You are not eligible for FAR if:

• You intend to enroll in courses at RPI to finish your degree.
• You have holds on your account.

Step 1: Clear holds on your account

To be eligible to return, you must be sure your accounts are clear of any holds below. If you are unsure how to resolve them, please contact the respective offices.

• Bursar hold (Bursar office)
• Student loan exit counseling hold (Bursar office)
• Dean of Students hold (Dean of Students office)

Step 2: Complete the online Returning Student Request

The online request includes a timeline and essay. To avoid losing any of your work, we recommend typing the timeline/essay in another document and copying/pasting into the online request.

Step 3: Complete other requirements (if applicable)

• Complete the FAFSA online.
• If you received treatment for your physical or mental health that is relevant to your time away, have your provider submit the Readiness for Reenrollment form to healthrecords@rpi.edu or fax to 518-286-6642.
• If you took courses at another institution during your leave, please have your official transcript sent to doso@rpi.edu. If you are currently taking classes, please have your instructor(s) send an email with a current grade estimate.
• If employed during your leave, request employer to send letter of support to doso@rpi.edu.
• International students: email isssoffice@rpi.edu about travel documents for your return.

All returning students are asked to attend a virtual orientation (watch email for link) during which you will be able to identify ways a Support Dean and other offices can assist you in your transition back to RPI. We will also welcome you back to campus with an in-person orientation where you can access important resources and meet other returning students.

International students who want to return in F-1 or J-1 status must contact ISSS to learn how to apply for a new I-20.

Check that all of your online accounts, including Outlook email, are working. If you need assistance, please submit a ticket request to IT Services and Support Center, including your RIN and RCS ID.

Your return may have conditions, such as providing final transcripts from other institutions, meeting with a Support Dean regularly, or making Health Center or Counseling Center appointments, etc. Be sure to address these promptly.

If you wish to live on-campus, contact Student Living & Learning. If you wish to live off-campus and need assistance, contact the Off-Campus Commons office.

Log in to SIS and click on the "Personal Information" tab. Update your contact info, including local and permanent addresses, phone numbers, emergency contact, and RPI Alert.

Log in to SIS to view your financial aid and bill. Check your bill to ensure that your financial aid has been applied and your bill accurately reflects your semester charges. Also check for outstanding requirements needed to process your financial aid.

Financial Aid | finaid@rpi.edu | (518)-276-6813

Bursar | Ticket Request | (518)-276-6610

If your ID card has stopped working, contact the Campus Card office.

Review meal plan options and add one to your student account.

Log in to the Student Health Portal to check for any requirements. If you have your own health insurance outside of RPI, submit a health insurance waiver.

Student Health Center | healthcenter@rpi.edu | (518)-276-6287

If you were receiving accommodations from Disability Student Services prior to your leave or have a new diagnosis, please contact DSS to update your paperwork.

Disability Student Services | dss@rpi.edu | (518)-276-8197

This is a helpful way to rebuild your on-campus support system.

Counseling Center | counseling@rpi.edu | (518)-276-6479

24/7 BHS Services (username: Rensselaer) | (518)-276-8888

Step 1: Clear holds on your account

To be eligible to return, you must be sure your accounts are clear of any holds below. If you are unsure how to resolve them, please contact the respective offices.

• Bursar hold (Bursar office)
• Student loan exit counseling hold (Bursar office)
• Dean of Students hold (Dean of Students office)

Step 2: Submit medical paperwork for return

Contact the medical provider(s)* who treated you during your medical leave and request that they submit the Readiness for Reenrollment form on your behalf. The form can be emailed healthrecords@rpi.edu or faxed to 518-286-6642.

*If you received therapy and prescription medication, please ask both providers to complete the form.

Step 3: Complete the online Returning Student Request

The online request includes a timeline and essay. To avoid losing any of your work, we recommend typing the timeline/essay in another document and copying/pasting into the online request.

Step 4: Complete other requirements (if applicable)

• Complete the FAFSA online.
• If you took courses at another institution during your leave, please have your official transcript sent to doso@rpi.edu. If you are currently taking classes, please have your instructor(s) send an email with a current grade estimate.
• If employed during your leave, request employer to send letter of support to doso@rpi.edu.
• International students: email isssoffice@rpi.edu about travel documents for your return.

If you haven't already, contact your faculty advisor or advising hub to update your plan of study. This helps to ensure the classes you are taking are appropriate and will work towards your degree. Keep in mind that the away semester is a graduation requirement, so your plan should include your away semester (unless previously completed). Once updated, send a copy to doso@rpi.edu and copy your advisor. This will allow you to register for classes once registration is open.

For transfer credits to be applied to your record at RPI, you must submit a completed/sign Transfer Credit Approval Form and official transcript to the Registrar.

Registrar | registrar@rpi.edu | (518)-276-6231

Step 1: Clear holds on your account

To be eligible to return, you must be sure your accounts are clear of any holds below. If you are unsure how to resolve them, please contact the respective offices.

• Bursar hold (Bursar office)
• Student loan exit counseling hold (Bursar office)
• Dean of Students hold (Dean of Students office)

Step 2: Submit your grades (refer to your suspension/dismissal letter for more details)

If you have already completed the courses required for your academic suspension/dismissal, please have your official transcript sent to doso@rpi.edu prior to the deadline. If you are currently taking classes to satisfy the requirement, please have your instructor(s) send an email with a current grade estimate to doso@rpi.edu prior to the deadline.

Step 3: Complete the online Returning Student Request

The online request includes a timeline and essay. To avoid losing any of your work, we recommend typing the timeline/essay in another document and copying/pasting into the online request.

Step 4: Complete other requirements (if applicable)

• Complete the FAFSA online.
• If you received treatment for your physical or mental health that is relevant to your time away, have your provider submit the Readiness for Reenrollment form to healthrecords@rpi.edu or fax to 518-286-6642.
• If employed during your leave, request employer to send letter of support to doso@rpi.edu.
• International students: email isssoffice@rpi.edu about travel documents for your return.

In order to return from a Financial Leave of Absence, you must have paid off any previous balance owed, and pre-pay for the semester you wish to return.

• If you receive financial aid, please complete the FAFSA and contact the Financial Aid office for an estimated aid package.
• Send your estimated aid package to the Bursar office to determine your account balance for the semester you wish to return. Make this payment in full.

To be eligible to return, you must be sure your accounts are clear of any additional holds below. If you are unsure how to resolve them, please contact the respective offices.

• Student loan exit counseling hold (Bursar office)
• Dean of Students hold (Dean of Students office)

The online request includes a timeline and essay. To avoid losing any of your work, we recommend typing the timeline/essay in another document and copying/pasting into the online request.

• If you received treatment for your physical or mental health that is relevant to your time away, have your provider submit the Readiness for Reenrollment form to healthrecords@rpi.edu or fax to 518-286-6642.
• If you took courses at another institution during your leave, please have your official transcript sent to doso@rpi.edu If you are currently taking classes, please have your instructor(s) send an email with a current grade estimate.
• If employed during your leave, request employer to send letter of support to doso@rpi.edu.
• International students: email isssoffice@rpi.edu about travel documents for your return.