Returning After a Leave of Absence
Whether you left Stanford to do some personal exploration, to deal with a family emergency, or to focus on your own health and wellness, Stanford encourages and welcomes your return to undergraduate study.
Your Academic Advisors understand that returning to Stanford can seem complex. On this page we offer some explanations of the different return scenarios, and a description of which process you may have to go through depending on your circumstances.
For a comprehensive review of Stanford's return policies and procedure, you may consult the Student Services policy pages and the Returning to Stanford page linked below.
Student Services: Leaves and Reinstatements
Academic Advising: Returning to Stanford
Getting Started
No matter your situation, your first step is to meet with an Academic Advisor and start planning for your return well ahead of your desired return date.
We recommend you start planning for your return at least 8 - 10 weeks in advance. Starting the return process early will ensure that you have enough time not only to register for classes, but to apply for student housing and financial aid if necessary, which are done through separate processes with their own deadlines. International students will also want to get in touch with Bechtel International Center.
Academic Advising has also published a useful Returning to Stanford booklet that outlines the process and answers many common student questions.
Click on the full screen icon to see a larger view, or read the Returning to Stanford booklet here.
Return Scenarios
Returning As Planned
If you filed for a voluntary Leave of Absence (LOA) and are returning on the date originally indicated on your LOA form, you don't have to undergo any formal return process in order to register for classes. Stanford is expecting you back and you should be able to sign up for courses as soon as enrollment opens for your return quarter. But check for any enrollment holds on your account and make sure you take the necessary steps to clear them.
Keep in mind that you must apply for housing and also apply for financial aid (if applicable) through separate processes that have their own deadlines. While not mandatory, we recommend a meeting with your Academic Advisor to help you consider your course choices and academic plans for the future. International students will also want to get in touch with Bechtel International Center.
Returning Earlier Than Planned
If you filed for a voluntary Leave of Absence (LOA) but want to return to Stanford earlier than the date originally indicated on your LOA form, you should fill out the Early Return from Leave of Absence eForm on Axess. To find it, log in to Axess, go to the "My Academics" dropdown menu, and navigate to “Student eForms.” Click on “Browse Available Forms” and search for the "Early Return from Leave of Absence (UG Students)" eForm. You will also need to sign up for a meeting with your Academic Advisor to discuss your return and get their signature on your eForm.
Returning After Being Discontinued
If your Leave of Absence has expired, or you left the university without ever filing for a Leave of Absence, your student status becomes "discontinued." But don't be intimidated! Stanford still welcomes your return, and many Stanford students resume their studies years after their original matriculation.
If you were discontinued this current quarter
If you were just discontinued this current quarter, you may be eligible to submit a special LOA eForm before the current quarter ends. This will change your status from discontinued to an active LOA.
To find the eForm, visit https://eforms.stanford.edu. Click on “Browse Available Forms” and search for "Leave of Absence for Discontinued Students." Note that you will have to meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your situation and get their endorsement on your eForm. You may only use this eForm if you were discontinued this quarter due to nonenrollment. If you were discontinued in a previous quarter, you must instead submit a Request to Return and Register (see below).
If you were discontinued in a previous quarter
Students who were discontinued prior to the current quarter will need to go through a special return process called the Request to Return and Register (see below). Given the time that you've been away, this is a process meant to encourage you to reflect on your experiences, think about your academic plans, and consider what resources you may want to seek out to help ease your transition back to the university.
The Request to Return and Register
In general, when submitting a Request to Return and Register you'll need to:
- Meet with an Academic Advisor (either in person or through a phone or video meeting)
- Contact any relevant partner offices (for example, Student Financial Services) and clear related obligations, including any financial holds
- Check in with your major (or intended major) department about your remaining requirements
- Write a personal statement about your past circumstances, current academic plans, and strategies for future success
- Complete the Request to Return and Register form
- Submit the completed Request to Return and Register materials to your Academic Advisor.
The Request to Return and Register is not a readmission process. You do not have to apply to the university all over again! Rather, the Request is structured to help you think through all aspects of your return, including any changes you may have to make or support services you may need to utilize in order to thrive at the university. Your Academic Advisor can help you navigate the necessary steps and offer support both before and after your return to Stanford.
You should begin talking to your UAD about your return plans about 8-12 weeks in advance of the quarter you wish to return. Aim to submit a first draft of your Request to Return and Register by Week 5 of the quarter prior to your intended return (e.g. submit by Week 5 of Autumn quarter for a Winter quarter return). Keep in mind that both Financial Aid and Housing have their own separate application processes with their own deadlines, and that you will not be able to apply for these services until after your Request to Return and Register has been approved and fully processed.