Return from a Student Academic Leave of Absence 

Tutorial

If you are looking for information on how to place a worker on a leave of absence, refer to the Leaves of Absence for Workers reference guide.

If your leave of absence has been less than two years, you have an active academic record and can request to return from your leave within Workday. If it has been over two years, you’ll have to submit an application for re-entry to WashU.  

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In Workday, search for and select the Create Request task, or you can find it in your Academics Hub, in the suggested links. 
  2. For Request Type, select the Student Request Return from Time Away. 
  3. Click OK.  
  4. Complete the Student Return from Time Away questionnaire, which asks about your time away as well as basic contact information (first and last name, school email, etc.). In particular, WashU wants to know: 
    1. What was the reason for your leave of absence?
    2. What semester and year would you like to return? 
    3. Did you complete academic coursework during your leave?
    4. Provide a description of your activities, employment, and service during your time away. 
    5. How will these activities help you succeed when you return to school? 
    6. Why do you wish to return to WashU?  
  5. Click Submit. 
  6. The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) and the school’s registrar’s office will review and process your request. You can view their response in the My Tasks inbox.
    • If you’re returning from a medical leave, you must upload additional documentation to the WashU Cares website. You must complete both the Workday return from a student leave request and the WashU Cares documentation for it to be reviewed by the MLOA committee.
  7. If your request is approved, your program of study status will change from leave of absence to in progress. 

Additional Context

Key Changes
  • While on leave, your academic record status will remain active for two years. If your leave of absence has been less than two years, you have an active academic record and can request to return from your leave within Workday. If it has been over two years, you’ll have to re-apply to WashU. 
Considerations
  • The Office of the University Registrar (OUR) and the school’s registrar’s office  will review and process your request.  
  • Student Health Services reviews and approves medical campus student requests. 
  •  If your request is approved, your program of study status will change from leave of absence to in progress. 

Related Resources