Voluntary Leaves
The College supports the overall success of students, including their physical, social, and emotional well-being. When situations arise that hinder students’ abilities to perform academically, they can request a voluntary leave.
Students requesting a leave due to active duty military service should refer to the Student Military Leave Policy when requesting a leave.
Students requesting a leave due to pregnancy should refer to the Pregnant Student Policy when requesting a leave.
When students decide to request a voluntary leave, they must contact their Academic Advisor or the Office of Student Records at registrar@mercycollege.edu. If the leave request is to begin prior to the end of a semester, students must also submit a ‘Withdraw/Leave Request’ within their EMPOWER ME account for all enrolled courses. (Refer to the Withdrawal from a Course section of the Catalog.) After students contact their advisor or Student Records, they will receive the ‘Mercy College of Ohio Temporary Leave/Full Withdrawal Form’ to finalize their request.
Students who withdraw from all courses and return the next immediate semester do not need to submit a request for a Voluntary Leave.
Students requesting a voluntary leave are strongly encouraged to investigate the financial implications of taking such a leave by contacting the Office of Financial Aid (financialaid@mercycollege.edu or (419) 251-1219) and the Bursar (bursar@mercycollege.edu or (419) 251-1726). Students should also review the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for leave implications. Mercy College students enrolled in dual degree programs with another institution are also required to follow the applicable procedures for leaves for that institution.
Students who wish to return to the College after missing three consecutive semesters must seek readmission to the College (e.g., if a student submits a leave request at the end of Spring 2024, they will need to return before Spring 2025 semester). Voluntary Leave requests beyond three semesters will be denied.
After submitting a Voluntary Leave request, for students to return to the College, they must set-up an appointment with their academic advisor to develop/revise their plan of study prior to enrolling in classes.