Leaves of absence are an option available to students who seek a break from their studies but intend to return to Grinnell and complete their degree. Grinnell offers two types of voluntary leave of absence that students can elect. An emergency leave is relevant when a semester is already under way, and a planned leave is relevant when a student is planning for a future semester off. See application processes below.
Emergency Leave of Absence
Students interested in seeking an emergency leave of absence for a semester in progress should consult the Academic Catalog to review the Emergency Leaves of Absence policy. Important additional information about taking a leave of absence can be found on the Academic Success Center GrinnellShare (login required). Emergency leaves may require documentation or other confirmation of the emergent situation requiring a leave of absence for the semester in progress.
Students should also make an appointment to speak immediately with the Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising, Joyce Stern, by using the Academic Success Center bookings page or emailing success@grinnell.edu.
Once decided, students need to complete the Emergency Leave Application found on the Academic Success Center GrinnellShare and provide any supplementary information.
Personal Leave of Absence
Students planning a leave of absence for a future fall or spring semester should first consult the Academic Catalog to review the Planned Leave of Absence policy. Important additional information about taking a leave of absence can be found on the Academic Success Center GrinnellShare (login required). A brief conversation with the Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising is also recommended; schedule this by using the Academic Success Center bookings page or emailing success@grinnell.edu.
Once a student is sure they want to pause their enrollment, apply for a planned leave of absence by logging into the Academic Success Center GrinnellShare to find the application and submission instructions.
Other Pause in Attendance
Students dealing with difficult circumstances who want to continue their semester, should consult with the Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising or the Assistant Dean for Student Success to learn about options and be connected to support. Grinnell does not have a universal attendance policy; individual instructors set their own policies.