Leaves of Absence
Leaves of Absence are something of a Dudley tradition. Many Dudley students take time away from the College—to reflect upon and refine their academic goals, to pursue non-academic interests, to work, to spend time with family, or to concentrate on health issues. Most students who return from leave report that they are very happy they spent some time away and that they feel re-energized and ready to engage with their studies on a deeper level.
If you are considering a leave from the College or are preparing for a return, please read the information below carefully. Reading the Change of Housing Status Packet will also be of help. Please also remember that each case has its own particulars. So, while we have tried to lay out some general guidelines here, it is always best to confirm the details of your situation with your resident dean. Ultimately, you are responsible for meeting all deadlines and financial obligations, so you should be attentive to College procedures as you pursue your plans.
While on leave, please keep in mind the following:
College facilities, including libraries and classrooms, may not ordinarily be used by students on leave. This means that students on leave may not attend classes, even with the permission of the instructor. Nor may students on leave participate in extracurricular activities. All exceptions must be approved by the Administrative Board in advance.
Going On Leave
For students in good standing who want to go on leave after completing a term and before registering for the next term, the procedures are relatively simple. You must:
- Inform your resident dean so she can place you on leave with the College
- Cancel your Housing Contract if you live in the Co-op NOTE: Housing Contracts must be cancelled by June 11 for a Fall leave and by December 1 for a Spring leave
- Submit a Returning Student Application to the University Housing Office indicating when you plan to return (off-campus students should also complete this form—there is a box to check indicating that you wish to live off campus again) NOTE: to be guaranteed campus housing (including the Co-op), you must file this form by February 25 for a Fall return and by October 25 for a Spring Return.
For students who are not in good standing who want to take a voluntary leave after completing a term and before registering for the next term, the procedures for going on leave are similar, but you should contact your resident dean to discuss the procedures for returning on probation.
For students who want to go on leave during a term for which you have already registered, you must:
- Inform your resident dean so that she can petition the Administrative Board to grant you a leave NOTE: Some leaves granted after the start of term may carry Administrative Board or UHS riders—see below for details; All leaves granted after the Seventh Monday ordinarily will carry an Administrative Board rider and all leaves granted after Thanksgiving (Fall) or after April 15 (Spring) ordinarily will carry the provision of no return before the term after the next consecutive term; Ordinarily, students are not allowed to leave a term after the first day of Reading Period
- Cancel your Housing Contract if you live in the Co-op NOTE: Housing Contracts must be cancelled by June 11 for a Fall leave and by December 1 for a Spring leave
- Submit a Returning Student Application to the University Housing Office indicating when you plan to return (off-campus students should also complete this form—there is a box to check indicating that you wish to live off campus again) NOTE: to be guaranteed campus housing (including the Co-op), you must file this form by February 25 for a Fall return and by October 25 for a Spring Return.
Please consult pages 73-76 for more important information about voluntary leaves of absence.
Please also keep in mind the following student financial obligations:
Students’ Financial Obligations in the Event of a Leave of Absence or Requirement to Withdraw
| If Student Leaves | Tuition | Room* | S.S. Fee† | Board |
| Fall Term On or before June 11 |
-0- | -0- | -0- | -0- |
| From June 12 to July 15 | -0- | 183 | 66 | -0- |
| From July 16 to July 30 | -0- | 366 | 199 | -0- |
| From July 31 to August 15 | -0- | 549 | 199 | -0- |
| From August 16 to September 10 | -0- | 732** | 265 | -0- |
| From September 11 to September 24 | -0- | 732** | 265 | pro-rated |
| From September 25 to October 19 | 3932 | 732** | 265 | pro-rated |
| From October 20 to November 26 | 7864 | 732** | 534 | pro-rated |
| From November 27 to December 19 | 11,796 | 732** | 794 | pro-rated |
| After December 19 | 15,728 | 2928 | 1058 | 2383 |
| Spring Term On or before December 1 |
-0- | -0- | -0- | -0- |
| From December 2 to January 15 | -0- | 183 | 66 | -0- |
| From January 15 to January 24 | -0- | 366 | 132 | -0- |
| From January 25 to February 6 | -0- | 366** | 132 | pro-rated |
| From February 7 to March 3 | 3932 | 732** | 265 | pro-rated |
| From March 4 to April 4 | 7864 | 732** | 534 | pro-rated |
| From April 5 to May 3 | 11,796 | 732** | 794 | pro-rated |
| After May 3 | 15,728 | 2928 | 1058 | 2823 |
Table taken from page 462 of the 2007-2008 Handbook for Students.
All amounts are in US dollars.
Harvard in its sole discretion reserves the right to change these rates at any time upon 30 days prior notice to students.
If a housing deadline falls on a weekend, the change of housing status forms will be considered on time if they are delivered to the Office of Residential Life on the Monday after the deadline.
* For Dudley Cooperative room charges, inquire in the Dudley House Office, Lehman Hall (617-4952256).
** The total room rent charge is the reservation fee plus the number of days in residence at a daily rate of $24.04. The pro-rated board charge is $19.16 per day for freshmen and $19.74 per day for upperclassmen.
† Student Services Fee.