Taking Time Off From Rice University
We are committed to students’ long-term success and to seeing them thrive during their Rice experience. Part of that commitment means that Rice supports students who decide they need to leave the university for a period of time to address their wellbeing.
Process:
The university has a process in place that serves as your roadmap back to Rice. We want to see you back at Rice when the time is right and when you are feeling better.
Forms:
These are the important documents you need to be aware of as you plan your return to Rice.
Steps to request your withdrawal or leave:
- Submit the separation form: To take time off from Rice for problems or issues arising out of or because of medical or other personal concerns, the first thing you should do is inform the dean's office of your decision to take a break. You do this by submitting the separation form. Rice will process your request after you fill out this form.
- Transcript implications: By filling out and submitting the separation form (see above) your academic standing for the semester will be appropriately reflected by Rice. If you withdraw prior to the drop deadline, then you will not receive grades for the semester from which you are withdrawing. If you withdraw after the drop deadline from a semester in which you are enrolled, then your grades will be reflected as “W’s” on your transcript for the semester. If you request a leave for a future semester, no grades or “W’s” will be reflected because the semester has not yet started.
- Health Insurance: If you
have the Rice plan, you can consult with the Rice Counseling Center for
information about your health insurance while you are away from Rice. Please contact rucc@rice.edu. If you have another health insurance plan,
please contact that provider if you have questions.
- Employment on campus: If you are employed on campus, inform your employer about your withdrawal from your position.
- Off Campus Mental Health Resources: It is
often helpful to consult with a professional at the Rice Counseling Center to
get recommendations and professional, therapeutic referrals to access during
your time away from Rice. You can schedule
an exit interview with the Rice Counseling Center (RCC) staff. This interview can be conducted in person or
via telephone. Please call 713-348-4867
to schedule your appointment.
- Process/Timeline for Medical Readmissions: The dean’s office will need your
information by June 1st for fall semester
readmission or November 1st for spring semester readmission.
Please note that readmission requests will not be considered if they are made
prior to May 1st for the fall semester or before October 1st
for the spring semester.
- Financial aid: If
applicable, it is strongly recommended that you get in touch with your Rice financial aid advisor about questions related to financial aid and/or
scholarships.
- Moving off campus: All separated students are expected to move out of campus housing within 48 hours of their separation from the university. Students who decide to take time off due to a mental health concern, work with staff in Student Retention, their residential college personnel or staff in graduate housing to come up with a move out plan.
If you have any questions about taking time off please contact a staff member in Student Development and Retention: e-mail:
retention@rice.edu or call: 713-348-3311.
During Your Time Off:
Some steps you are expected to take during your time off:
1) Establish yourself in regular, ongoing treatment with a mental health provider or a physician if you have a physical-related medical concern. You should contact the
Rice Counseling Center and/or
Student Health Services, if you have not already done so, to seek their guidance about the type of provider that will be most beneficial for your concerns.
2) Proactively establish a plan for yourself, with the help of your treating professional, to continue to remain productive during your time away. Rice will expect to see that you have a demonstrated period of stability, usually at least six months from the start of your treatment. There are many ways to gain this stability, and many students choose to take courses at another institution, work, volunteer, work in an internship, etc. Please see some other examples in the chart below.
3) Additionally, there are many other opportunities students choose to get engaged in during their time away. The link below contains a list of some ways you can take advantage of the opportunities and resources available during your time off. Please also note that the chart is not exhaustive, and you should consider what variety of options and services are best suited to meet your needs:
Taking Time Off Chart.
4) If you have questions during your time off, please contact a staff member in Student Development and Retention: