Taking a Break or Leaving Elon?

Life doesn’t always go as planned — and that’s okay.

Whether you’re navigating a health concern, facing a personal or psychological challenge, or simply need time away, Elon offers several options to help you step back—and return—when you’re ready. We understand that life can interrupt your academic journey, and the Dean of Students Office and the Office of the Registrar is here to support you through every step of that transition.

For comprehensive information on withdrawal and leave of absence policies, including eligibility, deadlines, and procedures, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

Leaves of Absence – Options at a Glance

A leave of absence is a formal discontinuance in a currently enrolled undergraduate student’s active degree program. Undergraduate students on leave are not enrolled in classes but remain active in all University systems. Elon University offers two types of leaves: a Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA) and a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA). Click an option below to learn about eligibility, deadlines, how to apply, what to expect while away, and how to return.

  • Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA): Allows a currently enrolled undergraduate student to take a leave from all of their current courses (or defer enrollment in an upcoming semester) for any personal or professional reason.
  • Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA): Allows a currently enrolled undergraduate student to take leave from all of their current courses (or defer enrollment in an upcoming semester) for reasons related to their physical or mental health.

Withdrawal – Options at a Glance

A withdrawal occurs when an undergraduate student discontinues enrollment in a single course or all courses for a term schedule. The university offers four types for withdrawal: Individual Course Withdrawal, University Withdrawal, Medical Withdrawal and Retroactive Medical Withdrawal. Click an option below to see eligibility, deadlines, how to apply, what to expect while away, and how to return.

  • Individual Course Withdrawal: Allows a currently enrolled undergraduate student after the Drop/Add period has ended to officially withdraw from any class with a “W” (withdraw without penalty) until the midpoint of that class.
  • University Withdrawal: Allows a currently enrolled undergraduate student to formally and permanently withdraw from the University for any reason.
  • Medical Withdrawal: Allows a currently enrolled undergraduate student to withdraw from all courses on their term schedule as a result of an inhibiting, debilitating, or otherwise incapacitating medical event after the drop/add period but before the last week of classes.
  • Retroactive Medical Withdrawal: Allows a undergraduate student to be withdrawn for health reasons from an academic term the student recently completed. Retroactive Medical Withdrawals may be considered when there are documented medical or mental health circumstances that have substantially impacted a student’s ability to successfully meet their academic requirements and receive credit for the term.

How to Begin the Process

If you’re considering a leave of absence or withdrawal from Elon, we’re here to support you. Start by reaching out to our office, the Office of the Registrar, or your academic advisor to discuss your situation and explore your options. Together, we’ll determine the path that best fits your needs. Once you’ve made a decision, you’ll complete the appropriate request form and submit any required documentation. We’ll walk you through the next steps and be here to support your return when you’re ready.