Leave of Absence Policy
The Leave of Absence Policy is designed for students who have had significant life circumstances impact their ability to maintain good academic standing and who may need to take a break from their current academic coursework (e.g., illness of family member, personal illness, significant financial distress or life-changing circumstances).
Traditional degree-seeking undergraduate students who will not be registered for Gardner-Webb University academic credit during a given semester (fall/spring) may apply for a leave of absence. A leave of absence is approved when there are extenuating circumstances that prevent the student from attending classes. Listed below are typical reasons a student would request a leave of absence.
- Students who have officially withdrawn from semester courses but plan to resume their education at Gardner-Webb University within two years;
- Students who obtain credit while on a leave from another institution in conjunction with a Gardner-Webb University program (transfer credit will be reviewed by the appropriate Gardner-Webb University personnel for possible credit);
- Students who, for other reasons, will not be registered at Gardner-Webb University for a semester or more;
Institutional forms of financial aid will be renewed at the same level upon return provided students meet the standard renewal requirements (GPA, application renewals, etc.). Federal and State financial aid will be determined as a result of the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Students must be otherwise in good academic, student conduct, and financial standing. All program admission requirements, programmatic and degree requirements, departmental student handbook and accreditation requirements, at the time of student’s return, will apply. Policy may be appealed under certain circumstances.
Upon formal approval of the leave, a specific termination date by which a student must either re-enroll or request an extension is assigned. An extension of the approved leave of absence can be applied for by emailing the Office of Retention at retention@gardner-webb.edu with a request for the amount of additional time needed. A leave of absence, including extensions, is not given for more than two years during the time a student is pursuing an undergraduate degree. A student who does not re-enroll by the end of the approved leave of absence is considered to have voluntarily withdrawn from the University. The maximum of two years allowed on leave of absence applies even when those semesters are not consecutive.
Forms requesting a leave of absence are available online; the student must then obtain the signatures of the Student Accounts Office and the Advising Center, and a meeting with the Office of Retention is required.