Academic Advising Resource Center

Personal Leave

Students who wish to pursue primarily non-academic activities away from Oberlin may apply for a personal leave of absence through the Academic Advising Resource Center (AARC). Advisors in the AARC are available to meet with students to discuss their options. 

Deadlines and Late Fees

Applications for personal leave for an upcoming semester must be submitted by these deadlines:

  • Spring Semester Leave: First Friday in December
  • Fall Semester Leave: First Friday in May
  • Late Applications: Applications received after these deadlines will be given consideration; however, there is a late filing fee of $300. A personal leave cannot be taken for the current term once the semester has started.

Key Policies

Students considering a personal leave should review the following information before submitting a request to take a personal leave.

 

  1. Complete and Submit Form: Download and complete the Personal Leave of Absence form , and email signed copy to leaves.withdrawals@oberlin.edu
  2. AARC Appointment: Meeting with an AARC advisor is a required step in the personal leave process. Book an appointment using the AARC scheduling link under Personal Leave. 

  • Oberlin Email: Your Oberlin email account will remain active while you are on leave. Check it regularly and keep your password up-to-date.
  • Contact Information: If there are changes to your phone number or address, update your personal information in My Self Service Profile.
  • Extensions: If you find that you need to request an extension of personal leave, write to leaves.withdrawals@oberlin.edu. Requests for extensions must be submitted by the deadlines above.
     

  1. Request Return: Submit the Return from Personal Leave Form. Keep in mind the dates when registration and housing selection open.
  2. Confirmation from the Office of the Registrar: Once you receive confirmation from the Office of the Registrar, you’ll be ready for the advising, registration, and the housing selection processes.
  3. Advising and Registration: Contact your advisor to review degree progress, obtain your RAP, and register.
    • If your return is processed before the advising period for the upcoming semester, wait to schedule a meeting until the official advising window begins. (typically the week after spring or fall break.) 
    • If registration is already underway, contact your advisor right away to schedule a meeting.
    • If your advisor is unavailable, schedule a meeting with an AARC advisor. 
  4. Housing: Contact Dakota Stephens in ResLife regarding your housing.