A leave of absence, which can be arranged for any period of time between one semester and two years, allows the student to arrange his or her own return to the Institute at the end of a specified time. It is strongly suggested, though not required, that students who wish to take a leave of absence speak with a dean in CSS who can help identify relevant resources. The leave of absence request form should be submitted to CSS at least one month prior to the anticipated leave. For late or unusual requests that propose a leave of absence for a semester already in progress, students should speak promptly with a dean in CSS, who will have the discretion to process such a leave. They may also need to meet with their student account and loan representatives in the Student Services Center, 11-120.
Leaves are evident on a student's transcript only as gaps in registrations.
The duration of a leave of absence may be lengthened or shortened by giving proper notice to CSS as described in the information packet. However, leaves that extend beyond two years would necessitate the same readmission procedure as is required for students who withdraw from the Institute. The same is true if the student is uncertain whether he or she will return to MIT or if circumstances suggest that interaction with a dean in CSS is advisable prior to readmission. The student's transcript will indicate that he or she withdrew if the withdrawal date falls within a term in which the student had been registered. Withdrawals for full terms show on the transcript only as gaps in registration.