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 (Alexandra Mercedes-Santos '25.5 and Ah-Yong Moon '26.5) 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 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

Back to Brown, a support group for students who have returned from a leave of absence, meets on Wednesdays beginning on September 18, 2025 through May 7, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Health and Wellness Center (450 Brook Street) Room 197B.

Registration is NOT REQUIRED

For more information, please contact Wilthonie Johnson-Goncalves, MSW, LICSW

Leavetaking Stories

Podcasts and other narratives from leavetakers

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

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.