| Occasionally, Radford University students want to take advantage of either of two special experiential learning opportunities—non-credit bearing internships and non-RU study abroad programs—that require that they not be enrolled at RU for a semester. These students may apply for the status of “academic leave.”
Eligibility
(1)The student anticipates that the internship or study abroad experience will necessitate that he/she be away from RU no more than one academic semester.
(2)The student fully intends to enroll at RU during the semester after the experience has concluded.
(3)The student has attained sophomore status and is in good academic standing.
Benefits of Academic Leave
The status of “academic leave” entitles the student to virtually all of the same privileges as enrolled students, including receipt of communications from the University, registration and housing selection at the time commensurate with their number of hours earned, library access, mailboxes, and email accounts. Since they are not enrolled as RU students, they will not be billed as RU students for the semester away.
By definition, no RU credit will be awarded for non-credit bearing internships. Credits from study abroad experiences offered by institutions other than Radford University will be treated as transfer credits. Students should obtain transfer course approval before departure. While grades of “C” or better from the host institution are required for the student to receive credit for the courses, grades earned elsewhere have no effect upon the student’s GPA at Radford University.
Application Process
Students wishing to apply for academic leave must complete an “Application for Academic Leave” form. These forms are available at the link below, in the Center for Experiential Learning and Career Development, the Center for International Education, and the Registrar’s Office. In addition to the form, students must submit a copy of their letter of acceptance for the experiential program in which they plan to participate. The application must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, department chair, dean, and the director of experiential learning and career development and/or the director of international programs, and then submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Applications for academic leave must be received by the Registrar’s Office no later than thirty days before the beginning of the semester the student will be away. Application for Academic Leave
Term of Academic Leave
Academic leave is granted for one semester. Students who wish to extend their leave must reapply by contacting the Registrar’s Office no later than 30 days prior to the next semester. Students are limited to two semesters of academic leave during their academic careers at Radford University.
Upon conclusion of the semester of academic leave, the student’s status will automatically be returned to “active.” In the unlikely event that the student is unable to return to Radford University following the semester of academic leave, he/she must notify the Registrar’s Office of his/her intent no later than 30 days before the beginning of the semester following the leave. Students wishing to return to RU after the conditions of their leave have expired must submit an application for readmission. |