How do I take a break from classes? (How do I take a Leave of Absence?)

Students who wish to take a break from their courses for a short period of time may want to speak with their Student Success Advisor regarding a Leave of Absence (LOA). Students can take one LOA ranging from 30-180 days in any 12-month cycle.

Important Information Regarding an LOA:

• You can take a maximum of 180 days of LOA within any one 12-month period.

• Students whose LOA begins on or before the last day to withdraw from classes will receive a W grade for all active courses in that term.

• Students whose LOA begins after the withdrawal deadline will receive a grade based on the coursework they have completed up until the time the leave starts.

• Concerns regarding Financial Aid eligibility while on LOA should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

• Students will need to resolve any outstanding balances and have the Bursar Hold removed from their account prior to returning from their Leave of Absence.

• Students whose military obligations make it difficult to remain successful in their program will want to contact Walden's Office of Military Services office regarding a Military Leave of Absence. The Office of Military Services is available at [email protected].

• Leave of Absence is designed for students who are experiencing a hardship that makes effective academic progress unusually difficult, students are not able to work with faculty on their dissertation, KAMs, or other capstone projects.

• You will still have access to your Walden e-mail account while on Leave of Absence.

More Information:

• Please visit the Walden University Forms website to view the Leave of Absence Form and the Withdrawal Form.

For more information regarding the Leave of Absence policy, please refer to your Student Handbook or find out how to contact a Student Success Advisor.