Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Request

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form

Before submitting this form students are highly encouraged to read the LOA/W policy and meet with Academic Advising and Student Financial Services at the One Stop to understand the academic and financial implications of withdrawing from the college. You may contact Academic Advising at advising@otis.edu and Student Financial Services at sfs@otis.edu. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of how financial aid, loans and scholarships are affected by the date that you withdraw during the semester and it is highly recommended that you speak with a counselor in Student Financial Services to understand how your leave of absence of withdrawal will affect your financial obligations to the College.

Your submission will be reviewed by the Registration and Records Office to verify your academic standing and last date of attendance. Your major department will also receive a copy of your LOA/W submission.

We understand that this is a major decision and we are here to assist you.
For any questions or concerns please contact the One Stop at 310-665-6999 or e-mail onestop@otis.edu

Leave of Absence (LOA): Temporary leave from Otis College for a period of one year or less and appropriate when a student expects to return to the college after a predetermined period of time. Students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for LOA.
Withdrawal: Formal and official withdrawal from Otis College for a period of more than one year or indefinitely. Appropriate when a student decides to leave without prospects of return or will be away from the college for an extended period of time.

Note: F-1 International students are required to meet with the PDSO to discuss how a withdrawal affects their visa status. Schedule an appointment with International Advising here.

Student Information

Legal Name*

First Name

Middle Name (optional)

Last Name

Preferred First Name (if applicable)

Personal Pronoun

Otis ID Number*

Phone Number*

Email*

Input your preferred personal email (Non-Otis Email)

Citizenship Status*

U.S. Citizen International F-1 Status Legal/Permanent Resident Other Status

Note: F-1 students must meet with the PDSO and request a withdrawal if they need to take time away from Otis College. Your request will not be approved until after you have met or discussed your withdrawal request with the PDSO.

Have you met with the International Student Advisor?*

Yes No

Please schedule an appointment with the PDSO before continuing to fill out this form. Schedule an appointment here.

Do you have a minor?*

YES NO

Are you currently on Academic Probation? If a student’s term and/or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on academic probation. *

YES NO

Note: Students on Academic Probation are not eligible to take a Leave of Absence. Students can verify Academic Status by checking Degree Works.

A student on Academic Probation who needs to take time away from the college must request a withdrawal. Students who apply for a Leave of Absence and are not in good academic standing will be Withdrawn from the College.

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Request

Select one:*

I am requesting a temporary Leave of Absence I am requesting to Withdraw

Select one:*

I am requesting a withdrawal, but plan to return at a later time I am requesting a permanent withdrawal with no plans to return

Please keep in mind that students who withdraw from Otis College, but plan to return must apply for readmission. Readmission to Otis College is not guaranteed, nor is there a guarantee of continuation in the major of choice. Certain majors may be at capacity during your anticipated return semester, as a result, you may be placed on a wait-list pending approval of your application. For further information regarding the wait-list process, contact Academic Advising at advising@otis.edu

What will be your last semester enrolled at Otis College?*

Select one:*

I plan to leave before the end of the semester and will not complete my courses I plan to finish my current semester courses I completed the previous semester and will not attend the upcoming semester

The last date that I attended classes at Otis College was (or will be):*

Note: The last date of attendance will be verified by the Registration and Records Office.

Please provide the Name + State + Country of the College you are Transferring to:*

Please provide additional information regarding your primary reason to leave the college:*

Please provide additional information regarding your primary reason to leave the college. What would have encouraged you to stay enrolled?*

Financial Implications

Tuition and fees will be refunded based on the published refund policy. Housing fees will be refunded based on the published housing refund policy. Financial aid recipients must meet with Student Financial Services (SFS) to complete the necessary exit interview and be advised on the effect a Leave of Absence will have on their financial aid eligibility and/or loan repayment. If you received an Otis Scholarship, you may be required to return the amount received back to Otis College. SFS will access a student's account and if a balance is due, after the LOA/W is approved, student will be required to pay any amount owed to Otis College. Refer to the LOA/W Policy for further information, or contact SFS at 310-665-6999 or e-mail sfs@otis.edu.

Do you receive Federal/State Financial Aid (including loans)?*

YES NO

Do you receive an Otis Scholarship?*

YES NO

Did you make a tuition payment for the upcoming semester?*

Yes, paid tuition in full Yes, made a partial payment Yes, enrolled in a payment plan No, no payments made

Please provide your preferred shipping address:*

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State/Province

ZIP / Postal

Country

Note: Address indicated here will be used to issue a refund, if a refund is due, by paper check after LOA/W is approved. If you are approved for a leave of absence or withdrawal prior to the start date of the upcoming semester, and you already made payment towards the upcoming semester, a refund will be issued to you by paper check after LOA/W is approved. Allow 10 business days for processing and additional time for shipment. If you are approved for a leave of absence or withdrawal after the start date of the semester, please refer to the Otis's College Tuition Refund Policy.

Are you enrolled in Otis Health Insurance?*

YES NO

Note: If you have the Otis College Student Health Insurance Plan, taking a leave of absence/withdrawing will affect your coverage.

The school's insurance plan covers you each semester that you are enrolled. Should your matriculation continue into the next semester, your coverage will also continue. If you do not enroll, or take a leave of absence less than 30 days into the next semester, your insurance will be terminated (end) the last day of coverage for your last enrolled semester. For more information, visit the Student Health and Wellness Center website.

Do you currently live in the Otis College Housing Program?*

YES NO

Note: Students living in the Otis Housing Program have 72 hours from the submission time of the LOA/Withdrawal form to vacate housing.

Please contact Residence Life and Housing immediately regarding your LOA/Withdrawal at 310-846-2648 or e-mail studenthousing@otis.edu. For more information, visit the Residence Life and Housing website.

Do you have a commuter meal plan?*

YES NO

Note: If your LOA/W is approved, you will be granted a refund based on the last meal date (certain restrictions apply). Please visit the Residence Life and Housing website for complete information.

Returning from a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal

Students should return from a Leave of Absence/Withdrawal during a semester that aligns with their degree sequence.

Please contact Academic Advising at advising@otis.edu if you have questions or concerns.

Please indicate the semester you anticipate returning to Otis College*

Fall Spring Summer (2nd Semester Foundation Students Only)

Please indicate the year you intend on returning to Otis College*

Please keep in mind that students who withdraw from Otis College, but plan to return must apply for readmission. Readmission to Otis College is not guaranteed, nor is there a guarantee of continuation in the major of choice.

Select the semester you anticipate returning to Otis College:*

Must be within 1 year of form submission

Do you plan to enroll in any off-campus courses while you are away?*

Yes No Not sure at this time

Note: Students must receive prior approval from the Academic Advising Office for any off-campus courses. Please contact the Academic Advising Office at advising@otis.edu or by calling 310-665-6999. Failure to receive prior approval may result in enrolling in courses that will not count for transfer credits.

Student Certification

Otis College understands this is a major decision, we highly recommend students read over the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policy before submitting this form. Students can reference the LOA/W policy below.*

I acknowledge that I have read and fully understand the Leave of Absence/Wtidhrawal Policy

LOA/W Policy

Taking time away from the college will impact a students graduation date and eligibility to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students are highly encouraged to speak with the Academic Advising Office before submitting this form.*