Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Information

Sometimes circumstances dictate the need to pause your education.  We understand that the path to a degree can change along the way, and are here to support you in that journey.

Making the decision to take a leave of absence or to withdraw from college can be complex. We want you to feel like you have the information and support you need as you consider your decision.

This page is intended as a starting point; it is important that you meet with the Enrollment Specialist for support as you take this step and to make sure that you are fully informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't see your question here? Need more information? Make an appointment with or contact the Enrollment Specialist.

Do I qualify to take a leave of absence?

Students MUST have earned a minimum GPA of 2.0 on the date the leave becomes effective. Failure to do so may void the leave and result in dismissal and/or administrative withdrawal. Any student who has a cumulative average of at least 2.0, who is not awaiting the completion of a disciplinary investigation and who wishes to leave the college for a period of not more than two semesters beyond the current one, may request a Leave of Absence.  All debts and liabilities must be cleared with college offices, before a student may enroll and return to Geneseo.  

Deadlines are posted on the academic calendar website.

What is the difference between leave and withdrawal?

A Leave of Absence is a temporary break from College.  Students are allowed to take up to two semesters.  There is flexibility in the return date - You can request to return sooner, or request an extension, if needed.  If you are considering different options, besides Geneseo, it gives you some time to explore those choices before committing.  It can also give time for a student to focus on things that are creating barriers to success, such as health/mental health concerns, financial concerns, and family concerns.

A leave of absence request must be submitted for any gap in enrollment. Some examples are military service, internships not part of a course, College Partnership Programs (to complete graduation requirements), and taking courses through other institutions to complete graduation requirements (without current enrollment at Geneseo).

A Withdrawal is a formal separation from the college.  If you decide at some point down the road that you would like to return, you would need to apply to the “Return to Complete a Degree” program (application for readmission).

Will taking a leave or withdrawing affect my financial aid?

There are several ways that a leave or withdrawal may impact your financial aid and/or any outstanding debt/loans. It is extremely important that you speak to financial aid (financialaid@geneseo.edu) and student accounts (studentaccounts@geneseo.edu).

Some aid programs, such as Excelsior, may require continuous enrollment. While students may qualify for waivers, it is important to discuss your situation with a financial aid professional because aid program requirements can vary and change from year to year. The  undergraduate aid  page will give more information on aid programs.

If you are a New York State TAP recipient, you will not be eligible for funds in the semester following your withdrawal or leave of absence should you return to the College. You may be eligible to appeal the loss of state aid, if you have extenuating circumstances that can be documented. Unlike state aid which is reviewed each semester, federal aid eligibility will be evaluated every academic year. Failure to meet satisfactory academic progress guidelines may result in the loss of your federal aid.

Visit https://www.geneseo.edu/financial_aid/maintaining-eligibility for information on academic progress and appeals.

For students receiving Federal Direct Student Loans, it is important to note that a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal may impact the grace period for your loan.

Visit loan repayment  for more information on student loan repayment.

How will taking a leave impact degree completion?

Taking a leave may impact delay academic progress and graduation date. In order to to discuss the potential impact of a leave on your academic progress (e.g., course offerings that might only be offered in a specific term, order of coursework requirements, changing majors, adding/dropping a minor, etc.), please contact your Academic Advisor or one of the Professional Advisors in the Office of Advising.

Can I take classes elsewhere while on a leave?

Yes. However, any coursework in consideration should be discussed with your academic advisor and one of the Professional Advisors in the Office of Advising to make sure that the coursework will transfer appropriately and fulfill specific degree requirements. Course pre-approval forms should be submitted to the Office of Advising before enrolling in courses at another institution.

Will I have access to my Geneseo email and KnightWeb accounts while on leave?

While on leave, students have access to their KnightWeb accounts and Geneseo email. It will be important to continue to check your Geneseo email, which will still be used for official College communication. Additionally, KnightWeb will continue to be your source for a course registration time ticket, housing, and other mandatory forms for your return from a leave.

How do I request to change the semester I intend to return?

Email the request to the Enrollment Specialist via loa-withdrawal@geneseo.edu.

What if I don't know whether I'll return or not?

Your application cannot be processed without an intended return date.

In most cases, it is best to start with a one-semester leave.  The Enrollment Specialist can help you navigate this decision.

Who do I need to inform after I have been approved for a leave or withdrawal?

Both forms direct you to contact student accounts and/or financial aid, if applicable.

After an application is processed, notification is sent to academic advisors, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Registrar's, and Graduation Records Offices.  You are resposible for communicating with your Area Coordinator or Residence Director, if you live on campus.  Residence Life has a check-out process that is required.

 It is important for you to consider who you might want to communicate with directly--a coach, a mentor, an employer, a club or volunteer organization you are actively involved in.  In the long run, communicating directly with those people who might be directly impacted by your leave will be beneficial to your academic career. Communication will also help you plan your return from a leave and may help maintain relationships that might be important to you, regardless of whether or not you return.

Is there a deadline for submitting an application?

Your financial liability for tuition, room and board, as well as any impact on your grades, are contingent on when you complete, sign, and submit the application, if you are not completing the current semester.  If you are completing the current semester, the effective date will automatically be the day after the last day of the semester and the application can be submitted during or at the completion of the semester.

For information on financial liability, please refer to the student accounts website or reach out to the student accounts contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Financial deadlines and deadlines for receiving a "w" (withdrew from class) grade are posted on the academic calendar website.  

Does it "look bad" to take a leave of absence?

That is a question of perspective.  It can be a helpful choice in supporting your ability to seek degree completion.  However, it is important to consider what you will do while on leave to help you achieve your goals and to have a plan.

If you're struggling with anxiety about social stigma, how time away may impact you academically or socially, or how to plan out your leave & return, please reach out to the Enrollment Specialist or talk with a trusted faculty, staff or other member of our community.

What if I need to take a leave for a medical reason?

You should contact the Enrollment Specialist, Lisa Bishop, who will assist you with general leave steps and connect you with Health and Counseling staff to discuss and submit medical documentation.  Students who believe they should take a medical leave must start with the general leave application first and then will need to submit additional forms and documentation.   The medical leave of absence page provides information on the additional steps. 

Please note that if a medical leave of absence is approved during the course of a semester, the College's financial liability policies will still apply.

If you're having a medical or mental health emergency, please contact University Police at 585-245-5222 or dial 911

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What do I need to do if I currently live on campus?

If you are not completing the current semester, it is important to understand the financial liability deadlines.  Please contact the Enrollment Specialist, as soon as possible.

If you are taking a leave or withdrawing before the end of the current semester, before departing you are required to formally check-out with your Area Coordinator or Resident Director.  Failure to do so will result in a fine.  You are also required to remove all belongings from your room, even if you plan to return the following semester.

If I withdraw, can I return to Geneseo at a later point?

YES!  There are paths available to return to Geneseo. Please take a look at the 
Return to Complete a Degree at Geneseo  program.  For more information, contact the Enrollment Specialist, Lisa Bishop, at lbishop@geneseo.edu or 585-245-5463.

If I am taking a leave under remaining housing requirements, will I still have to fulfill those requirements when I return?

Yes.  Housing requirements will remain.  If you have questions about this policy or regarding application for exceptions, please contact the Residence Life Office.                                                               

Returning from a Leave of Absence

We look forward to your return and are here to help you make a positive transition back to Geneseo!

If you are on a standard leave, you do not need to submit any additional forms in order to return.   The Enrollment Specialist will contact you prior to the registration/enrollment time period in the semester before your return.  Of course, you can also reach out for assistance and support at any time!    

However, if you need to request a semester extension or request to return earlier than the original date, please submit that request to the Enrollment Specialist via loa-withdrawal@geneseo.edu .

While students have access to their Geneseo email while on leave, their other accounts will not be reactivated until the date that time tickets to register for classes are issued.  The housing application in Simplicity will be open on the same date.  Please refer to the Academic Calendar and Residence Life Housing Information for dates and deadlines. 

If you need support with these accounts, please email loa-withdrawal@geneseo.edu or call 585 245-5463.

Students who have holds on their record must have these holds cleared before their accounts can be reactivated for registration and housing.  Holds may be placed by the Dean of Students office (conduct), Student Accounts (unpaid balance from prior semester), or Health and Counseling Services (missing forms/documentation).  Students are responsible for contacting these respective offices directly and following through with requirements.

Students who left under academic warning or probation, will return under the same status. We recommend that these students make an appointment with the Academic Student Support Coordinator, to explore available support services. Please make an appointment with Academic Advisement.

Enrollment Specialist Contact Information

For general and medical leaves, withdrawals, as well as readmission, please make an appointment with the Enrollment Specialist, Lisa Bishop. lbishop@geneseo.edu, 585 245-5463. Students can make an appointment through Navigate with the following link:

https://geneseo.campus.eab.com/pal/-w5rXxrAVJ

Additional Contacts:

Veteran & Military Services:  Support Coordinator, Jaime Arena, arenaj@geneseo.edu, 245-5052
Health & Counseling:  Administrative Assistant, Amy Gonzalez, gonzeleza@geneseo.edu, 245-6465
Financial Aid:  Assistant Director, Amy Masters, amasters@geneseo.edu, 245-5000
Student Accounts:  Assistant Director, Alison Sexton, sextona@geneseo.edu, 245-5070                                                           Residence Life:  Administrative Assistant, Deborah Tillotson, dtillotson@geneseo.edu, 245-5727
International Student Services: Administrative Assistant, Jessica Cosimano, cosimano@geneseo.edu, 245-5404