A leave of absence from Rensselaer allows a student to take time away to seek treatment. If you choose to pursue a leave, with an external or internal provider, you would make a detailed plan for your time away.
We understand requesting a medical leave is a big step and we encourage you and your family to meet with us to discuss possible adjustments which may allow you to continue with your studies while simultaneously engaging in treatment.
These may include:
- changing to part-time study and dropping a number of classes
- taking a short absence from classes to engage in intensive treatment and then returning
- incomplete grades
- an adjustment to your away semester schedule in lieu of a leave
There may be other adjustments which allow you to catch up or keep up. These are not always possible in all types of courses; therefore, a combination of remedies may be necessary.
If you do decide to take a leave know that you are not alone. Rensselaer has worked with many students and families to accommodate a leave and return to Rensselaer. If possible, we strongly recommend having a family member present with you when discussing your leave. This way you have someone at home who knows what is needed and can support you in the process.
- Students on Rensselaer HMO may elect to stay on our health plan for 6 months after their leave of absence. This means you will be able to continue with care while away. Rensselaer can assist you in finding off site providers as well.
- Students can continue to use BHS services for 18 months after leave Rensselaer both the hotline support and tele-counseling services.
- Your Rensselaer aid will not be removed; you will be eligible for Rensselaer Aid upon return. Federal aid may change based on your FAFSA. We don’t want the affordability of your degree to change because you took a leave of absence.
- Students on a leave of absence retain access to SIS, RPI Email and several others systems for up to one calendar year from the effective date of your leave. You will be able to easily communicate with us, your faculty, various offices on campus and view your unofficial transcripts for planning purposes while away.
- International students are eligible to remain in the U.S., for up to a total of 12 months, with an approved medical leave.
- There is no maximum amount of time you can be away; we want you to return when you are ready.
- Rensselaer makes decisions on returns with you based on the advisement of your treating professional. We want you to come back and be successful and we maintain a very high approval rating for returns. Most denials are procedural, i.e. missing paperwork, or holds on accounts.
- You can continue to communicate with us. During your time away we will send you periodic correspondence and reminders on readmission deadlines and requirements.
- When you are ready to return you can reach out directly to the Student Health Center with questions as well as the Office for Student Success and your Class Dean. We will help you throughout the process.
