To leave RPI in good standing please complete the following:

1. Contact your 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 your Support Dean.
4. Make an appointment with your 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 their class 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 Student Success 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 your 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 your 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 your 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.

• 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.