Leave of Absence and Withdrawal

Withdrawal from the Institute

A “withdrawal” is defined as an absence from CIA of more than one semester. This action can be initiated by the student or the Institute. The date of withdrawal is defined as the last day of class attendance. Students who are withdrawing from the Institute are required to meet with an adviser in Academic Services and complete an exit interview.

Students who withdraw from ALL courses and leave the residence hall or CIA apartments (as appropriate) may receive refunds on tuition/fees and, as appropriate, room and board fees. For complete information on the withdrawal refund schedule and its effect on financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Involuntary Withdrawal

In instances where students may be unable to function academically, or their physical or emotional health may be endangering themselves or others, CIA reserves the right to separate them from the Institute so that they may seek appropriate care.

In all cases of student withdrawal, stipulations may be applied for readmission. These may include, for instance, coursework at another institution or documentation from a medical professional of readiness to resume a full course of study.

Students interested in returning to CIA are required to complete a formal application for readmission; the form is available on the Admissions website. Students who are reinstated will be expected to follow the curriculum in place at the time of their return to CIA.

Please note the following deadlines for readmission: July 15 (for fall semester) and December 1 (for spring semester).

Leave of Absence

A “leave of absence” is defined as an absence from CIA of one semester or less.  Students who are in good academic and financial standing may request a leave of absence from the Institute and are required to meet with an adviser in Academic Services to complete the process. In some cases, stipulations may be applied for their return to school. Students on a leave of absence should contact Academic Services to arrange for their readmission.

Members of the U.S. armed forces receiving military benefits who are called into active duty will be granted a leave of absence for the duration of their service. They should contact Academic Services when they are ready to resume their studies.

Please note the following deadlines for readmission: July 15 (for fall semester) and December 1 (for spring semester).

Academic Implications of a Withdrawal or a Leave of Absence

In cases where students take a leave of absence or withdraw before the withdrawal deadline (end of week #10 of the semester), their courses will appear on the transcript with a “W” designation. There will be no academic credit earned.

In cases where students take a leave of absence or withdraw after the withdrawal deadline (end of week #10 of the semester), their courses will appear on the transcript with “F” grades. Any exception to this policy would occur when a “late withdrawal” is approved by the Vice President of Academic + Faculty Affairs, following a successful student petition. Such withdrawals are approved only in exceptional cases.