Relay recognizes that there may be a time when you determine that it is not possible or in your best interest to complete the coursework in which you are currently enrolled and would like to request a leave of absence from the program. A leave of absence is valid for one calendar year (12 months). If you are unable to return after one calendar year, Relay will withdraw you from the program permanently.
To initiate a request for a leave of absence, you should first talk with your advisor who will then refer you to your campus Dean, campus program operations team, and/or Office of Student Financial Services to determine how and when to take the leave of absence. You will need to discuss the implications of a leave of absence with your school leaders and applicable partner programs (such as NYCTF or TFA).There may be financial, professional, and academic consequences to suspending enrollment in the program.
Once you have confirmed a leave of absence is the right decision, you must formally submit a request form to the Office of Admissions and Enrollment. Directions for accessing and submitting the form are available in the GEN-101 course. You are still enrolled at Relay, with corresponding academic, financial, and administrative responsibilities, until the leave of absence form is processed and you receive an e-mail verification of the leave of absence from the Office of Admissions and Enrollment.
The Office of Admissions and Enrollment will notify you via e-mail that they have approved the leave of absence, informing you of exit and readmissions procedures. The Office of Student Financial Services will follow up with graduate students about how to pay any outstanding Relay tuition and fees.
You should note that a leave of absence will be treated as a withdrawal for the purposes of Title IV federal financial aid. This may require you if you have taken a leave of absence to return a portion of unearned Title IV funds, namely direct unsubsidized loan funds.