Orange barThis fall was like no other but, it was great to see the energy from students as they returned to campus. We are looking forward to welcoming you back to campus this spring and encourage you to review how UVM is preparing for your return to campus along with information and key dates you need to know for Spring 2021.

We also understand that given the continued uncertainty, some students are considering whether to take a leave of absence.

 

Taking a leave of absence can have financial implications. If you are considering a leave of absence, please consider the following:

Your University Merit Scholarship

  • Generally requires that you maintain continuous, full-time enrollment (defined as enrolling in 12 or more credits per semester as an undergraduate), and a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA or better.
  • You may take an approved leave of absence for up to 2 consecutive semesters and retain merit scholarship eligibility provided that you continue to meet all other eligibility requirements.
  • Leave of absence requests must be fully approved and processed before the start of classes for the semester.
  • If considering, you should contact your School or College Student Services Office to discuss taking a leave of absence and to initiate the necessary application.
  • Only semesters in which you actually receive a scholarship payment count toward the 8 semester maximum scholarship eligibility limit.

Your Financial Aid

  • If you take a leave for Spring 2021, your spring financial aid will be canceled.
  • Financial aid is re-evaluated annually based on the each academic year's FAFSA. Be sure to submit the 2021-2022 FAFSA by the priority deadline of February 1, 2021. 2021-2022 financial aid award offers for returning students will be available starting in June 2021 once all requested information has been submitted and reviewed.
  • If you previously borrowed student loans - Federal student loans or private educational loans, you should contact your loan servicer to discuss how a leave would impact your loan repayment.
    • Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Student Loans have a one-time, 6-month grace period.
      • Students who have not previously used their grace period will likely use the grace period during any leave of absence and may enter repayment on existing loans.
    • Private loan repayment terms vary from lender to lender.

I have talked to my Student Services Office and initiated the application to take a leave of absence. What do I need to do next?

  • If you have already registered for Spring 2021, drop these courses
  • Notify Residential Life (if you were planning to live on-campus)
  • If you decided to take a leave of absence after your spring bill has been generated, please monitor your student account until you have confirmed that all Spring 2021 charges have been reversed (be in contact with SFS if you have an upcoming bill date)
  • Make payment for any remaining, prior balance.