Withdrawal from the College, Leave of Absence, and Readmission to the College
Withdrawal from the College: A student experiencing severe academic or personal disruptions during a semester may petition to withdraw from all course work and receive grades of “W” in their classes. Students considering Withdrawal from the College should discuss their situations with academic advisers, the Dean of Students Office, and/or the Associate Dean of the College for Student Issues. A petition for Withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar’s Office before the final day of classes in the semester of withdrawal. The withdrawing student must complete a “leave/withdrawal” form (available in the Registrar’s Office and online) indicating that they have made appropriate arrangements with the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and Residential Education and Housing Services. Any time a student withdrawals from the college a grade of "W" will appear on each course the student is registered in for that semester. Students on Academic Probation who petition for Withdrawal from the College may be required by the Student Progress Committee to spend an additional semester’s Leave of Absence away from Occidental, take college courses elsewhere, and apply for readmission to the College (see below).
Leave of Absence: Students may apply to take an approved Leave of Absence from Occidental College for academic or personal reasons. The Leave may be approved for one or more semesters, and it must be taken beginning in the semester immediately following its approval. Students considering a Leave of Absence should consult with their academic advisers, the Dean of Students Office, and/or the Associate Dean of the College for Student Issues. Application for a Leave of Absence should be submitted directly to the Registrar’s Office, which may consult with the Student Progress Committee before approval. If a Leave is approved, the student must complete a “Leave/Withdrawal” form (available in the Registrar’s Office and online) indicating that they have made appropriate arrangements with the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and Residential Education and Housing Services.
Readmission to the College Following Withdrawal or Leave of Absence: Students who have petitioned successfully to take a Leave of Absence, or who have been required to take a Leave of Absence following Withdrawal from the College while on Academic Probation, or who have been subjected to Academic Suspension (see “Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal”), must submit a “Returning Student Application” at least thirty days prior to their intended return to Occidental, outlining (among other things) what they have done during their absence from the College and a detailed plan for academic success upon return. This form is available in the Registrar’s Office and online, and will be evaluated for approval by the Student Progress Committee. Students planning such a return are urged to consult in advance with the Advising Center or your academic advisor. Students returning after a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal are subject to the new Policies at the time they return to Occidental.