Request for Non-Medical Leave of Absence

General Information

Villanova recognizes that it is sometimes necessary for students to interrupt their enrollment for a period of time and take a leave of absence. Students may take a non-medical leave for a variety of reasons including, for example, to attend to academic, personal, or financial matters. A student’s eligibility for any adjustment of tuition and fees based on a leave will be determined according to the Tuition Refund policy.

To request a non-medical leave of absence, you must (1) submit the online form below, and (2) meet with the Assistant Dean of Students or their designee.

If the Assistant Dean of Students or their designee finds good cause, a leave may be granted. Because every student’s situation is different, the terms of a non-medical leave will be determined individually, including any restrictions from coming on campus or attending University events and including any conditions for the student’s eligibility to return to campus following the leave.

Timing

Requests for non-medical leaves must be submitted before the final class of the semester. Once the semester is over and the reading and examination period has begun, a student may not request a non-medical leave except in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Duration

A non-medical leave may be granted for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of one year. Only in extraordinary circumstances will the Assistant Dean of Students permit one additional year, for a total of two years.

Conditions for Return

Some students who take a leave will have no requirements attached to their return. However, students may be subject to specific requirements for return based on the circumstances of their departure. Any conditions or requirements for return will be based on an individualized assessment of the student’s situation. The goal of these conditions is to prepare the student for a successful return to the Law School.

Returning from Leave

A student who has taken a non-medical leave of absence may apply for reinstatement by emailing the Assistant Dean of Students. The student must demonstrate that he or she has met any conditions or requirements, if any, that were specified for the student’s return to the campus community. Students on leave must complete their request for reinstatement submissions by the dates specified in the letter granting the leave (typically November 15 for the spring semester, and by July 15 for the fall semester).

Required Information

Preliminary Acknowledgement:

In requesting this Leave of Absence, I acknowledge the following: *

I have read and understand the Law School’s Student Leave of Absence Policy (full policy can be found in the student handbook). The Law School’s Transfer Credit policy provides: “Except as provided under Summer Abroad Programs, the Law School does not accept transfer credit for courses taken by Villanova Law School students at other law schools. This does not apply to students accepted with advanced standing (transfer students).” Before making this leave request, I should consult, as needed, with the Law School’s Office of Financial Aid.

You must check all three boxes

General Information:

Full Name: *

Villanova Banner ID Number: *

Preferred Email address: *

Preferred Phone Number: *

Please describe the reason for your leave request: *

Please attach any documentation related to your leave request:

Duration of Leave

Requested Leave Start Date: *

Requested Return Date (Indicate the semester and year that you anticipate returning, for example, "Fall 2020") *

Final Acknowledgement

I acknowledge the following statement: *

“I have read the information above and have asked for any needed clarification and explanation. I accept these conditions and deadlines as part of my responsibilities in taking a non-medical leave of absence from the Law School. I agree to abide by these conditions, and I request that I be granted a non-medical leave of absence. I understand that my submission of this form does not guarantee that my request for a non-medical leave of absence will be granted.”