Calendar for Returning Students
Room Assignments at Kirkland House
Returning International Students
Returning Students Requiring Administrative Board Approval
Leaves of Absence
All students who wish to interrupt their studies at any time before graduation must petition the Administrative Board for a leave of absence.
In Good Standing: Students whose previous academic and disciplinary record is satisfactory will normally be granted a "leave of absence." Contact John about your plans for a leave of absence. A student in good standing who has been granted a leave of absence may ordinarily return for any term he/she wishes by notifying John eight weeks in advance of that term.
On Probation (Academic or Disciplinary): Students who are not in good standing may be granted a "leave of absence - on probation." A student who has been granted a "leave of absence - on probation" must petition the Administrative Board for permission to register and must provide the Board with evidence that he/she is ready to resume college studies.
If you take a leave of absence before a term begins, you must submit a Housing License Contract Cancellation Form by June 30 for a fall term or January 5 for a spring term to avoid a late cancellation fee.
If you receive scholarship or other financial aid, consult the Financial Aid Office concerning the financial implications of taking a leave. If you have borrowed money or received financial aid from Harvard, you must also have an exit interview at the Financial Aid Office.
If you are a foreign student planning a leave, consult the International Office concerning your visa status.
Before the 7th Monday: Students whose previous academic and disciplinary record is satisfactory and who have petitioned by the seventh Monday of the term will normally be granted a "leave of absence." Contact John about your plans for a leave of absence. A student in good standing who has been granted a leave of absence may ordinarily return for any term he/she wishes by notifying John eight weeks in advance of that term.
After the 7th Monday: Students who petition after the seventh Monday of the term will normally be granted a "leave of absence - late in term." A student who has been granted a "leave of absence - late in term" must petition the Administrative Board for permission to register and must provide the Board with evidence that he/she is ready to resume college studies.
During Reading Period: No petitions for a leave of absence for any term will ordinarily be considered after the first day of Reading Period for that term.
A student granted a leave is expected to vacate University property no later than five business days after the effective (i.e., "as of") date of the leave voted by the Administrative Board. You must submit a Housing License Contract Cancellation Form to avoid continued charges for housing. Before leaving campus, submit your student identification card to Stacey Dell Orto at the House Office and your room key to MScott Haywood at the Superintendent's Office. You may not store any belongings at the University while on leave.
Financial Obligations in the Event of a Leave of Absence During the Term
* All amounts are in US dollars.
** The total room rent charge is the reservation fee plus the number of days in residence at a daily rate of $21.44.
** The pro-rated board charge is $17.74 per day for freshmen and $18.28 per day for upperclassmen. ‡ Student Services Fee.
Calendar for Returning Students
Returning students are responsible for knowing the dates relevant to their plans. Please note that you must coordinate your return with three separate offices: the Senior Tutor's Office for business related to the Registrar, the Student Receivables Office, and the Administrative Board (see Returning Students Requiring Administrative Board Approval); the Undergraduate Housing Office for housing applications and cancellation; and, the Kirkland House Office for room assignments.
September 30: An Application for Returning Students is due from students not registered for the fall term and who wish to return in the following spring term. Any student applying after this date will be housed on a space available basis only.
October 1: A financial aid application must be requested from the Financial Aid Office for a spring term return. This date applies to all returning students, including those whose return requires the approval of the Administrative Board. More information (including forms) is available from the Financial Aid Office.
October 25: An Application for Returning Students is due from students who registered for the fall term, but took a leave in that term and wish to return in the following spring term. Any student applying to return after this date will be housed on a space available basis only.
December 1: E-mail John with a brief statement describing how you have spent your time away and stating your intent to return to the College. John will then send the Registrar a Notice of Intention to Return After Absence.
January 5: A Housing License Contract Cancellation Form is due from students who have submitted an Application for Returning Students for the spring term, but who subsequently have decided not to return in that term. If you cancel your housing after this date, you will be charged a late cancellation fee.
February 1: An Application for Returning Students is due from students not registered for the spring term and who wish to return in the following fall term. Any student applying after this date will be housed on a space available basis only.
February 1: A financial aid application must be requested from the Financial Aid Office for a fall term return. This date applies to all returning students, including those whose return requires the approval of the Administrative Board. More information (including forms) is available from the Financial Aid Office.
February 25: An Application for Returning Students is due from students who registered for the spring term, but took a leave in that term and wish to return in the following fall term. Any student applying to return after this date will be housed on a space available basis only.
June 30: A Housing License Contract Cancellation Form is due from students who have submitted an Application for Returning Students for the fall term, but who have subsequently decided not to return in that term. If you cancel your housing after this date, you will be charged a late cancellation fee.
July 15: E-mail John with a brief statement describing how you have spent your time away and stating your intent to return to the College. John will then send the Registrar a Notice of Intention to Return After Absence.
Room Assignments at Kirkland House
Please contact Stacey Dell Orto (dellorto@fas, 617.495.2272) with all questions regarding housing at Kirkland (e.g., the housing lottery, room preferences, special accommodations). If you are planning a spring term return, then contact Stacey before departing. If you are planning a fall term return, then contact Stacey to arrange for a proxy in the spring housing lottery.
Returning International Students
International students are responsible for planning ahead so that Harvard can issue them an I-20 form for the purpose of re-entering the United States. More information is available from the International Office.
Returning Students Requiring Administrative Board Approval
Any student required to withdraw or granted a leave of absence on probation or with Board and/or UHS riders must petition the full Administrative Board to be readmitted or allowed to register. You should contact John to discuss the petition and supporting documents (e.g., a personal statement, a letter of recommendation from an employer, an evaluation from a UHS clinician). The Board meets on Tuesdays from September through early June so plan accordingly to avoid delaying your return to the College.
If Administrative Board approval is necessary for your return, you will not be given a Returning Student Billing Worksheet until after the Board has allowed you to register or readmitted you. If this causes you to miss the deadline for filing the worksheet, do not mail it; rather, bring it with you to registration, at which time approximately one quarter of the term's charges must be paid (minus proportionate or prorated credit for financial aid or loans).