Indiana Wesleyan University understands that life events may require a student to modify class enrollment and schedules. The leave of absence policy is designed to allow the student flexibility in his/her program enrollment to adjust to these life events. The leave of absence policy also extends to students the ability to make up any courses missed during the approved leave.
A student on an approved leave of absence will be considered enrolled at IWU and would be eligible for an in-school deferment for student aid loans. Federal student financial aid and in-school deferment may be negatively impacted if a student fails to apply for the leave of absence or if the application is denied. This impacts students who receive Title IV federal student financial aid (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Grants, Federal Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Parent Loans) or who want to have a federal student loan deferred from payment while in school.
Students who will be out of attendance for a period of 29 days or more should request a leave of absence. Students out of class for scheduled class breaks do not need to apply for a leave of absence. Students out of class for less than 29 days are not eligible for a leave of absence, and a recalculation on current financial aid will be done.
Students who are not currently receiving aid from one of the federal student financial aid programs or who do not have a federal student loan in deferment are not required to request a leave of absence.
Students needing to make a change in their schedule should contact the Office of Student Services to process the registration change. Students will then receive an email notification requesting they complete the online Leave of Absence Application.
If students are unable to complete the electronic application, a hard copy form may be downloaded above or may be requested from the Office of Student Services at 765-677-1207 or by email.
Students must request the leave within 21 days of initiating the registration change.
An approved leave of absence must meet the following criteria:
Documentation is required if the request for the leave of absence is made after the beginning date of the leave of absence, and it needs to address the nature of the reason for the request. Documentation for each circumstance will vary.
The student is required to provide whatever paperwork from a third party will attest to the circumstance outlined on the application form.
Examples include physicians' statements, letters from employers, letters from pastors or counselors, court documents, etc.
Documentation is also required if a request is submitted after the 21-day deadline, and it needs to address the reason for the delay in the submission of the request.
