Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a voluntary and temporary pause in your education at Lipscomb University. You might need to take a leave due to unforeseen personal, family, medical, or financial circumstances, or to pursue a temporary opportunity before resuming your studies.
 

A Leave of Absence is valid for one semester. If you don't return for the following Fall or Spring semester, you will be automatically withdrawn from the university and will need to reapply for admission.
 

You can only take a Leave of Absence for one semester at a time, and you may not take more than two semesters of leave during any four-year period.
 

Complete the Leave of Absence Notification Form online [insert link]. You must submit this form before your planned leave start date. The Assistant Director of Academic Success will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your request.
 

No. Leaves of Absence cannot be granted retroactively. Submit your form as soon as you become aware of circumstances requiring a leave.
 

Your Leave of Absence applies to your next semester, as you must apply at least two weeks prior to the start of the upcoming term. Unless you request your LOA within the first two weeks of the term.

Note: This timing applies to both fall and spring semesters.

• Withdrawal is a permanent separation from the university for the current semester and can only be processed before the exam period begins.
• Leave of Absence is a temporary pause in your education that can be initiated before a semester begins and allows you to return within 180 days without reapplying for admission.

If you're considering either option during or near the exam period, contact the Academic Success Center to discuss which option is best for your situation.
 

You must provide a written explanation for your request. You're also encouraged to provide appropriate documentation to support your request so that we can provide appropriate support when you return.

Contact the Academic Success Center at academicsuccesscenter [at] lipscomb.edu.
Special Requirements for Specific Student Groups
 

Yes. Before submitting your Leave of Absence form, you must consult with the Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success (or equivalent) about the implications of taking a leave and follow applicable guidelines or regulations.
 

Yes. You must consult with a representative of the Veteran Services Office before submitting your form and follow applicable guidelines or regulations.

You must consult with the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) or other representative of the Office of Intercultural Development before submitting your form. Taking a leave may have significant implications for your visa status.
 

A leave disrupts your regular degree plan schedule and may extend the time it takes to complete your degree. Some courses are only offered at specific times, and missing them during your leave can complicate your progression. We strongly recommend consulting with your advisor, academic coach, or program director/department chair before taking a leave.
 

No. If your program has a time limit for degree completion, a Leave of Absence does not extend that limit.
 

If you've already registered for courses in a future term or semester, you will be automatically unregistered from all those courses once your Leave of Absence is processed.
 

You may take courses elsewhere, but Lipscomb University will not approve or recognize transfer credits for any courses taken at another institution while you're on a Leave of Absence.
 

For students with Federal Title IV financial aid, your Leave of Absence cannot exceed 180 days in any 12-month period. Your status will be reported as a leave of absence in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). If you don't return within 180 days, you'll be reported as withdrawn.
 

When you return from a Leave of Absence, you're eligible to retain and apply the institutional aid previously awarded if you're in good financial standing and meet any academic requirements for the institutional aid as of the end of your last fully completed semester.
 

Yes. You must satisfy all financial obligations on your account before re-enrolling.
 

No. Students on a Leave of Absence are not eligible to remain in campus housing and must promptly vacate. You're not guaranteed the same housing accommodations when you return.
 

 No, the housing processing fee is non-refundable. 

You will notify Residence Life via email at housing [at] lipscomb.edu as soon as you confirm your intent to return to campus. Once you do, we’ll work with you to identify suitable housing options, just as we would with any other student. Early notification helps ensure the best possible placement. Students on a LOA will forfeit any 'squatting' rights once initiating a LOA.
 

You will retain access to your university email to stay connected with important updates and communications. However, access to other student services (University Counseling Center, Health Center, Beaman Library, and Student Activities Center) will pause until you return.
 

Contact the Academic Success Center at academicsuccesscenter [at] lipscomb.edu at least three weeks before the start of the term or semester you want to return.

You must meet with the following individuals as part of your re-entry requirement:

• Financial Aid Office and/or Business Office representative to determine the status of your State Aid and/or Federal Title IV financial aid
• Student Care Coordinator to ensure appropriate support resources are available
• Academic Success Coach to develop your schedule for the following term or semester
   

• Student-athletes must also meet with the Assistant Athletic Director for Student Success
• International students must also meet with their designated campus representative
• Veteran/Veteran Dependent students must also meet with the Veteran Services Office representative
   

If you don't register for courses by the end of the first week of classes following the end of your Leave of Absence, you will be officially withdrawn.
 

Leaves of Absence that extend beyond 180 days automatically become an official withdrawal from the university. You would need to reapply for admission to return.
 

 Yes. The university will maintain the confidentiality of all information regarding your Leave of Absence in accordance with applicable law.
 

Your record will be updated to reflect a Leave of Absence status upon finalization. The Academic Success Center will notify appropriate offices including the Registrar's Office, Office of Student Life, your Department Chair or Program Director, Financial Aid Office, and Business Office.