Voluntary Non-Restricted and Restricted Leave of Absence
An approved leave is considered an interruption in study, with the student's place in the college being held without requiring application for readmission. Students must petition for a leave of absence if they cannot complete the semester in progress, or if they do not intend to register the following semester after completion of the current semester. Voluntary non-restricted leaves are issued for students in good academic standing, and these students may return to the college with no paperwork required. Restricted leaves are issued when students are not in good academic standing, or have medical concerns that will require appropriate clearance. A student must complete paperwork to return from a restricted leave. All forms of leave are easily extended by contacting the Counseling and Advising Office. For more information and petition forms, contact the Counseling and Advising Office, 140 Roberts Hall. Questions can be directed to Pamela Torelli at plr2@cornell.edu or (607) 254-5386.
Health Leave of Absence
Health leaves of absence are arranged in consultation with health professionals at the Gannett Health Center. (Visit http://www.gannett.cornell.edu/MLOA.html for more information.) CALS does not require additional paperwork to grant the leave, but it is helpful to meet with an advisor in the Counseling and Advising Office. Please visit or call the Counseling and Advising Office, 140 Roberts Hall, 607-254-5386 to set an appointment with a counselor.
Permanent Withdrawal
Students who do not intend to complete a degree at Cornell must file paperwork to withdraw and close their records. This form is available in the Counseling and Advising Office, 140 Roberts Hall. The form can also be sent electronically - please contact Pamela Torelli at plr2@cornell.edu to have a form sent. Students who have withdrawn from the college and later decide to return must re-apply to the college through the admissions office. Since a leave of absence can be extended, it may be preferable to take a leave instead of withdrawing completely from the university. Students wishing to matriculate at another college should withdraw.
Returning from a Leave of Absence
For information about returning from Leave, click here.