Returning to School After a Leave
It’s important to reflect on how you feel, as your feelings about your readiness are central to your next steps in how and when you re-engage in coursework. This web page will help you examine and track your readiness to return to school, as well as explore resources to facilitate your transition and map out the logistics for your successful return.
Assess Your Readiness to Return
Often your path to resuming classes is paved with many conversations and careful consideration. Consider taking the time to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of either returning to or not returning to college at this time.
As you evaluate, consider the option that would most benefit your overall well-being.
Track Readiness to Return
Deciding to return to college can be driven by family, social, financial, or institutional pressures or expectations. We recommend tracking your readiness to return as objectively as possible to build your confidence and drive away worries or negative thoughts about returning.
Decide Part- vs. Full-Time
In considering a return from leave, it’s important to know you may have options for returning as a full-time or part-time student. Through the Office of Student Accessibility Services or your coordinator, you may be eligible to receive an accommodation(s) with appropriate medical documentation.
You might even be able to complete your degree while attending classes part-time. Your student accessibility coordinator, your academic advisor, financial aid advisors and members of your support team can help you understand your options.
Guide For Deciding Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Financial Aid Office/Family
- The cost difference per semester/quarter (or class) for part- versus full-time
- Eligibility for the same amount of financial aid for part-time versus full-time
- Ability to pay for full-time college
- Ability to earn money if attending part-time
- Ability to maintain a work-study job as a part-time student
Family/Friends/Supports
- Consider your preference for earning a degree within a certain timeframe
- Feeling successful and proud enrolling part- versus full-time
- Willingness to finish degree at a pace that works for you as an individual, even if that means enrolling in school for longer
Athletic/Organizational Coach/Leader
- Eligibility to play/participate in activities/competitions if part-time
- The impact of scholarship money if enrolled part-time
- Ability to hold leadership positions and/or qualify for awards if part-time
Housing and Residence Life/Family
- Availability of on-campus housing as a part-time student
- Need to pay for off-campus housing, if on-campus housing isn’t available
- Availability to live at home
Student Health Insurance
- The impact on accessing student health insurance as a part-time student
- Access to university support as a part- versus full-time student
Planning Your Return
You've prepared well for returning to college. You've connected with supporters, developed and maintained academic skills and now it's time to plan logistics.
Planning Checklist
Re-entry Documentation and Meetings
- Re-enrolled through the Office of the Registrar
- Connect with academic advisor/college
- Review MyOHIO account for remaining holds
- Submit necessary return from medical withdrawal documentation
Housing
- Consider housing priorities (e.g., single, sober living):
- I will be living in/at:
- I will be living with:
- If I’m moving, the move-in date is:
- It’s important for me to share with my roommates:
Finances and Environment
- Throughout the term, it’s my responsibility to pay for:
- My monthly budget is:
- My weekly budget is:
- My meal plan is:
- If I want to grocery shop, I can go to:
Care and Support
- My therapist/counselor is available to meet (day/time):
- When I need a medication refilled, or medicine, I can go to:
- I will communicate with my parents/family/support system (day/time):
Academics and Course Enrollment
- My approved courses are:
- Purchase textbooks/materials (e.g., computer, printer, notebooks)
- Know class schedule
- Learn how to open OHIO email account
- Learn to access necessary OHIO platforms (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas)
Support and Resources
- Submit appropriate documentation to Student Accessibility Services
- My approved accommodations are:
- My accessibility coordinator in Student Accessibility Services is:
- I know how to access my approved accommodations
- My academic advisor is:
- I know where Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Care are located
- I know how to access tutoring services
Helpful Resources
To help you transition back to OHIO smoothly, consider the people, places, things, and activities that supported your well-being during your absence.
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Student Accessibility ServicesAccessibility Services provides services and support to ensure that you can access and participate in the living and learning opportunities at OHIO. They coordinate accommodations and connect students with disabilities to the most relevant campus resources.
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Academic AdvisorYour academic advisor is the person who helps you choose your major, your minor, and all your classes along the path to graduation. They can also help you discover your learning style and suggest additional resources.
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Dean of StudentsThe Office of the Dean of Students is committed to helping you acclimate to the University, aiding with concerns, helping you navigate the complexities of the university, and ensuring that you find the right resources.
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Ombuds OfficeThe Ombudsperson ensures that every member of the university community receives equitable and fair treatment and due process and supports and facilitates a positive working and learning environment.
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Center for Student Engagement and LeadershipConnect with like-minded people by joining a club or group! The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership can help you identify a few groups you’re interested in before returning to campus.
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Academic Achievement CenterThe Academic Achievement Center provides free tutoring, writing assistance, academic coaching, peer navigation, and Supplemental Instruction to help students achieve their academic goals and perform better in their classes.
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Counseling and Psychological ServicesCounseling and Psychological Services' staff of licensed mental health clinicians, psychologists and clinical social workers provide free mental health services to students
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Survivor Advocacy ProgramThe Survivor Advocacy Program provides confidential support and advocacy services to student survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence and stalking.