Leave of Absence Request

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is an approved period during which a student temporarily takes a break from their studies while maintaining an active program with the University. During a leave of absence, students do not enroll in classes or earn academic credit. The benefit of an approved leave can simplify the process of returning to their academic studies without having to reapply for admission.

A leave of absence may be appropriate for students who need time away from school due to circumstances such as family responsibilities, financial difficulties, or other significant personal matters. If a student needs to take time away from school because of a physical or mental health concern, they should review the Medical Leave of Absence section below, as different eligibility and official verification and documentation is needed.

Eligibility for a Leave of Absence

The student must have completed at least one year of study at BYU–Hawaii (3 semesters).
A student may take only one general Leave of Absence throughout their matriculation at BYU–Hawaii.
The student must be a currently enrolled student.
The student must be able to demonstrate that returning after the leave will not negatively affect their normal academic progress or ability to graduate.
The leave may be for one semester only.
The leave cannot be taken during the student's final semester at BYU–Hawaii.

If a student is not eligible for a Leave of Absence or does not wish to take a full semester away from school, there may be additional options available, including alternatives to full-time enrollment based on eligibility. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to determine which option best fits their circumstances and academic plan.

Planning for a Leave of Absence

Students considering a Leave of Absence should plan ahead and discuss their plans with their academic advisor before submitting a request. Students should review how the leave may affect their academic progress, finances, visa requirements, and other personal or university obligations.

Students should submit their Leave of Absence request by 5:00 PM HST on the Friday of the first week of the semester. This deadline aligns with the end of the self-service add/drop period and helps students avoid potential academic and financial complications. Additional university deadlines and requirements, including registration and tuition deadlines, may still apply.

If a request is submitted after the deadline, it will only be considered through an appeal. Before submitting a late request appeal, the student must meet with their academic advisor to review their academic plan and determine whether a leave is appropriate at that point in their program. Appeals or late requests for an LOA will not be accepted if they are submitted more than one week after the initial deadline, as it may be too late to prevent a grade from being recorded or to qualify for a tuition refund.

Students should also carefully consider the financial implications of leaving school after published deadlines. If a student disenrolls without an approved Leave of Absence after the applicable deadline, they may be responsible for additional tuition and fees.

Medical Leave of Absence

A Medical Leave of Absence may be available to students who need to take time away from school because of a physical or mental health concern. Medical Leaves of Absence have different eligibility requirements from a general Leave of Absence.

A Medical Leave of Absence must be supported by documentation signed by a licensed physician or licensed clinical counselor. Students may work with BYU–Hawaii Counseling & Disability Services or Health Services to obtain the necessary documentation.

Unlike a general Leave of Absence, a student requesting a Medical Leave of Absence:

Does not need to have completed one year of study at BYU–Hawaii;
May be eligible to take more than one Medical Leave of Absence during their time at BYUH.

Students experiencing physical or mental health concerns are encouraged to seek support and discuss their options with the appropriate university resources.

How to Request an LOA or MLOA

Students can submit a Leave of Absence request through Workday Student:

Log in to Workday Student.
In the global search bar, type “Request Leave of Absence” and select the appropriate task.
Enter your leave start date for the semester you are requesting. The start date should be the first day after the previous semester officially ends.
Enter your expected return date, which should be the first day of the semester in which you plan to return.
Select the appropriate reason for your leave from the dropdown menu and click OK.
Check the box confirming your Leave of Absence request.
Provide a brief explanation in the comments section describing why the leave is needed. If you are taking a Medical Leave of Absence, you will be prompted to provide medical documentation.
Review all information carefully and click Submit to complete your request.

Students are encouraged to plan ahead and submit their requests before the applicable deadline.

If you have questions or concerns about taking a Leave of Absence, please contact the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudents@byuh.edu. Students may also review the university's resources on Enrollment Support for Health or Personal Circumstances for additional information and support in the link below.