Students in good academic standing in Weinberg College may take time off from their studies and return to Northwestern whenever they choose to do so. No special permission for a leave of absence is required. The College has no formal policy concerning the granting of leaves of absence, and you do not have to provide any reason for taking time off.
If you are receiving financial aid and you wish to take time off from your studies, then you should notify the Office of Financial Aid; failure to do so can jeopardize your financial aid package. If you have signed a housing contract for the time during which you will be away, you should notify the Undergraduate Housing Office. If you have already registered for classes for a quarter when you will not be attending Northwestern, then you should notify the Registrar's Office in writing. Be sure to let your academic advisers know of your decision to leave as well.
If you take off one or more quarters during the regular academic year (that is, during Fall, Winter, or Spring), then you must submit a completed Former Returning Student (FRET) Application to the Registrar's Office at least six weeks before you return to Northwestern. Otherwise, you may not be eligible to register for classes. You should also contact the Registrar's Office for information on how to register for your first quarter back.
