Curricular Resource Center

Leavetaking

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Leavetaking

The CRC Leavetaking peer Program Coordinators coordinate peer advising support for students considering a leave of absence and foster community for returned leave takers.

The Leavetaking Program Coordinators are available during their open hours.

Our student leavetaking coordinators, themselves returned leavetakers, can help you identify options for making the most of your time away from Brown, and they can connect you with the community of returned leavetakers. Taking leave can feel like a scary or an unexpected decision. At the CRC, we do our best to address your concerns and help you along the way.

Feel free to contact the student leavetaking coordinators, or email your questions to leavetakers@brown.edu. You may also contact the CRC Assistant Director, Janet Isserlis, or the Director & Associate Dean of the College, Peggy Chang.

Leavetaking Policies, Procedures and Deadlines

Policies, Procedures and Deadlines

The College website serves as the official source for information regarding leavetaking at Brown.

More Leavetaking Info

Leavetaking and Return from Leave Checklists

An all-in-one checklists of tasks, procedures and relevant contacts.

Leavetaking and Return from Leave Checklists

Leavetaking Advising Hours

You can schedule an advising meeting by dropping by during our open hours or emailing us at leavetakers@brown.edu.

Back to Brown After Breaks

International Students: Returning to campus after break is an ongoing process of re-establishing routines and realigning with your academic and financial goals. Use these navigation portals to adjust back to Brown after break to shape your upcoming semester.

Leavetaking Stories

Podcasts and other narratives from leavetakers

Podcast: Is a Leave Right for You? Leavetaking as an International Student, April 26 episode of Worldview Wavelengths with Ah-Young Moon '26.5, an international senior who navigated taking a leave during her sophomore year and Janet Isserlis, CRC Assistant Director. Together, they demystify the process, share lived experiences, and offer practical advice for taking control of your own academic timeline.

Leavetaking Interview: Kento Suzuki, '26

Interview: Lost and Found Confidence: Addy’s Discoveries in Leave, an interview with Addy Schuetz '19.5

Interview: Taking the Leap: A Conversation on Leavetaking with Vincent Zhou ‘25.5, an interview with Ah-Young Moon ’26.5

Podcast Episode 1: Collin Ham '24 and Mira Sizer '24, Leavetaking Program Co-Coordinators

Podcast Episode 2: Collin Ham '24 and Mira Sizer ‘24 interview leavetaker Eliana Hornbuckle ‘25

Kim '19, Schuetz ’19.5: Reflecting on leavetaking at Brown: Former Leavetaking Coordinators, Soyoon Kim and Addy Schuetz reflect on their experience in a BDH article in December, 2018.

Archived Leavetaking Stories

Leave is... Leavetaking students have developed video narratives as well as an evolving series of podcasts describing their leavetaking experiences.

Carly: Volunteering Abroad, Slowing Down

Podcast : Leavetaking Storytelling Initiative, Episode 2: Eliana Hornbuckle — In addition to the video narratives featured above, leavetaking students have begun developing a series of podcasts about their leavetaking experiences.

Note: Leavetaking is not for credit. Students must apply in advance to Study Away from Brown if they wish to earn credit.

Related Information

Graduation Ceremonies

Many leavetakers complete their degree requirements in December. Every year, Brown University holds a Midyear Completion Celebration for .5'ers. In addition, .5'ers are welcome to participate in the graduation ceremony the semester before and/or after their December completion.