蓝莓视频

蓝莓视频 recognizes that life circumstances do not always make it possible for students to remain continuously enrolled from freshman through senior year. The purpose of our Leave of Absence (LOA) policy is to provide students with the opportunity to take a pause from their coursework for up to two full semesters* while keeping their status as a Truman student without needing to reapply to the university. Our policy also pauses a student鈥檚 Truman-funded financial assistance as well as other benefits that make it easier for a student to return to campus.

Why Take a Leave of Absence?

There are many reasons a student might take a Leave of Absence, including non-Truman-sponsored study abroad trips, internships or employment opportunities, family responsibilities, financial difficulties, medical issues or concerns (physical and/or mental health), or emergency situations. In foreseeable situations, applications for a Leave of Absence should be submitted the semester prior to the student鈥檚 leave. In unforeseeable circumstances or emergency situations, a Leave of Absence may be requested at any time.

Benefits of a Leave of Absence

• Students will have up to two full semesters* to return to full-time enrollment (12-17 credit hours) at 蓝莓视频 prior to losing their student status or Truman-funded financial assistance.
• A student鈥檚 Truman-funded financial assistance remains in place during their Leave of Absence and resumes when they return to full-time status as long as the student is academically eligible to receive such aid.
• Access to TruView, Truman email, Degree Works, and other Truman systems will still be available.
• Students who are living on-campus and begin a Leave of Absence partway through a semester will NOT be assessed a housing contract cancellation fee ($500-$1,000).

Policies to Be Mindful of

• If a Leave of Absence extends longer than two full semesters*, the student will need to apply as a returning student to be reinstated as a Truman student and be considered to receive Truman-funded financial assistance.
• Federal**, State of Missouri, Truman Foundation and private sources of finance aid have other rules and expectations that may be impacted by a Leave of Absence.
  • Students are responsible for determining and addressing the consequence of a Leave of Absence in situations where they are receiving financial assistance from a source other than Truman.
• Students participating in a Leave of Absence are subject to the Student Conduct Code聽and other applicable University policies.
• Students on leave will not be allowed to live in the Residence Halls or utilize any fee-based offices, services, or activities during their time of leave.

International Students

• F-1 & J-1 students are required to consult with the Designated School Officer (DSO) (valexander@truman.edu) before completing the Leave of Absence application.
• Immigration regulations require F-1 and J-1 students to maintain full-time status every semester they are present in the United States, therefore your visa status could be at risk if you do not work with the DSO to take a leave properly.
  

* Excluding Summer Term and May, August, or Winter Interims. These terms will not count as part of your two semesters of leave.

** Truman鈥檚 Leave of Absence is not a -approved leave of absence. If a student leaves during a semester it must be treated as a withdrawal and the enrollment status must be reported accordingly to the .

Leave of Absence Contact

Ashleigh Harding, M.A.
Director of Student Success & Academic Standards Chair
aharding@truman.edu聽 |聽 appeals@truman.edu

Updated October 23, 2025