Reinstatement from Leaves of Absence
A student who is on any type of leave — whether voluntary or required — must apply
for reinstatement before the student is allowed to return to Franklin & Marshall College.
Any student intending on returning from a Leave of Absence must submit their Intent to Return Form before the established deadline. This form must include clear evidence that the student
has addressed the terms of the student’s leave contained in the letter confirming
the student’s leave (which is typically from the students College House Dean or the
Committee on Academic Status). All criteria for reinstatement, including the submission of all appropriate documentation,
must be submitted before the deadline. In extenuating circumstances, some documentation
may not be available before the deadline for reasons beyond the student’s control.
These students may be approved to return conditionally. This conditional status will
be communicated in the approval notification, along with the date by which the materials
must be received. Should the student fail to submit the appropriate documentation
before the extended deadline, the Leave of Absence will be continued. Students on leave are eligible to apply for reinstatement as of the date indicated
at the time of their departure. The College may establish specific requirements for
reinstatement if the circumstances of the students’ departure warrant it. The goal
of such conditions is to prepare the student for a successful return to the College.
For example, a student may be asked to complete pre-approved coursework at an outside
institution in order to demonstrate readiness to return to rigorous academic work
or to participate in a reinstatement consultation with the College’s Student Wellness
Center staff to facilitate a successful return. Once the Reinstatement Committee has reached a decision, the student will be notified
by the College. Students on leave for disciplinary or academic reasons when departing the College
will resume their probationary status upon their return for the duration of the assigned
probation period. Reinstatement Application Form Students returning from leave for health reasons must also submit all required documentation
to the Student Wellness Center and arrange for a return from leave interview with
either the Managing Physician or the Head of Counseling Services before the required
deadline. Students who complete the reinstatement process but fail to return to campus at the
expected time will receive an email from the College extending their previous Leave
of Absence. The student may apply to return before the next deadline. In these circumstances,
students are removed from housing and course rosters. THE DEADLINE FOR REQUESTING A LEAVE AFTER A SUCCESSFUL SEMESTER International students who require a visa may apply by November 1 for a provisional
approval pending any requirements set at the time of departure. All students returning from a leave must write a personal statement documenting why
they wish to return. The personal statement should describe what the student did while
on leave; what the student perceives were the reasons for the leave; and what changes,
if any, the student plans to implement that will allow the student to safely and effectively
meet the requirements of their program. An essential element of this personal statement
is to share what demonstrable steps they have taken to implement these changes. Any
specific expectations articulated by the College at the time that the student’s leave
was enacted must also be addressed. Students returning from leave will need to work with several campus support areas,
including the College’s Care Coordinator, Student Wellness Center, Housing, Financial
Aid, Student Accessibility Services, and the Registrar, amongothers. To help coordinate
among these units, returning students are encouraged to contact the College’s Care
Coordinator for assistance. Reinstatement Following a Health Leave F&M wants to ensure that students successfully return to the College after taking
a Leave of Absence. Accordingly, students who wish to return must demonstrate they
are able to resume their academic program and live within the College’s residence
spaces. Students returning from a health leave must be well enough to carry out substantial
self-care obligations and participate meaningfully in their educational activities. All students returning from a leave must write a personal statement documenting why
they wish to return. The personal statement should describe what the student did while
on leave; what the student perceives were the reasons for the leave; and what changes,
if any, the student plans to implement that will allow the student to safely and effectively
meet the requirements of their program. An essential element of this personal statement
is to share what demonstrable steps they have taken to implement these changes. Any
specific expectations articulated by the College at the time that the student’s leave
was enacted must also be addressed. Students returning from leave will need to work with several campus support areas,
including the College’s Care Coordinator, Student Wellness Center, Housing, Financial
Aid, Student Accessibility Services, and the Registrar, among others. To help coordinate
among these units, returning students are encouraged to contact the College’s Care
Coordinator for assistance. Readiness to Return - Academic Suspension Students on academic suspension must enroll in at least one course at another institution
during the period of suspension. Successful completion of at least one course to prove
demonstrated readiness is required to return to F&M. Successful completion is achieved
with a C or higher on the official transcript or certificate of completion from the
course taken. Transcripts must be submitted at the time of reinstatement. Appealing Denial of Reinstatement In the event that a student’s request for reinstatement is denied, the student may
appeal the decision in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs. If the denial
is based on academic grounds, the student may appeal the decision in writing to the
Provost. A student has five (5) business days to appeal. The decision of the appeal
is final.
Confirmation of Return Deadline and Returning to Campus
All students on leave from the College for any reason — personal, health, or suspension
— must confirm their plans to return with the College by the appropriate deadline.
This includes completing their Intent to Return documentation, registering for classes,
completing financial aid obligations, and contacting the housing office. If this
deadline is not met, an extension of the leave will automatically be processed. The
student may apply to return before the next deadline.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING A REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT
Readiness to Return
F&M wants to ensure that students successfully return to the College after taking
a Leave of Absence. Accordingly, students who wish to return must demonstrate they
are able to resume their academic program and live within the College’s residence
spaces. Students returning from a health leave must be well enough to carry out substantial
self-care obligations and participate meaningfully in their educational activities.