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 3 consecutive terms (Summer, Fall, Spring). If you are unable to return after one year, Relay will withdraw you from the program permanently.
To initiate a request for a leave of absence, you should do the following:
- Talk with your advisor and/or the Office of Student Financial Services to determine how and when to take the leave of absence. Please also note that withdrawing from Relay while pursuing your teaching certification may have implications regarding your certification status.
- Discuss the implications of a leave of absence with your school leaders and applicable partner programs (such as NYCTF or TFA). There may be serious financial, professional, and academic consequences to suspending enrollment in the program.
- Once you have confirmed a leave of absence is the right decision, you would then submit a leave of absence request application to the Registrar's Office. Please keep in mind the census dates when you submit your leave of absence application:
| Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Date | Transcripts & Academics | Tuition Owed |
| On or before the census date | No courses appear on a transcript from that term |
-Full-term tuition is refunded for that term -From prior terms, any outstanding tuition due in full upon exiting, including deferred tuition if applicable (please see the refund schedule for details) |
| Between the census date and the 50% refund date | Receive “W” for all courses in that term to indicate the withdrawal |
-50% term tuition refund/50% due upon exit. -From prior terms, any outstanding tuition due in full upon exiting, including deferred tuition if applicable (please see the refund schedule for details) |
| After the last date for a 50% refund and before the last date of the term | Receive “W” for all courses in that term to indicate the withdrawal |
-No refund for the term tuition -From prior terms, any outstanding tuition due in full upon exiting, including deferred tuition if applicable (please see the refund schedule for details) |
| On the End of the term date or after |
Receive standing grades in all courses in that term |
-No refund for the term tuition -From prior terms, any outstanding tuition due in full upon exiting, including deferred tuition if applicable (please see the refund schedule for details) |
Please know that you are still enrolled at Relay, with corresponding academic, financial, and administrative responsibilities, until the leave of absence application is processed and you will receive an e-mail confirmation from the Registrar's Office. The confirmation email will also include details on how to re-enroll. We recommend you continue to go to your classes and complete coursework until you are notified of a decision. The Office of Student Financial Services will also follow up with you about how to pay any outstanding Relay tuition and fees.
Leave of absences will be treated as a withdrawal for the purposes of Title IV federal financial aid. This may require you to return a portion of unearned Title IV funds, namely direct unsubsidized loan funds if you have taken a leave of absence. For more information about the return of Title IV funds, please see Financial Obligations upon Changes to Enrollment.