Returning from a leave
Whether you have been away for several terms or one, the College is eager to welcome you back upon your return from leave.
Review important deadlines and processes
There are important deadlines and processes to prepare for a smooth transition back to academic and campus life.
Contact your Resident Dean several days ahead of the following dates to indicate your intent to return:
- Fall 2026 Return: February 1, 2026
- Harvard Summer School: April 1, 2026
- Spring 2027 Return: October 16, 2026
This will help ensure you are able to prepare for class registration, request on-campus housing, and begin to process financial aid information. When you took your leave of absence, you were sent a Logistics of Returning to Harvard College document. Review this resource to start your process of returning.
Plan for your return
Returning to campus after a leave can mark a pivotal transition. Take this time to assess your personal and academic growth—what new skills or insights have you gained, and how can they enhance your college experience?
- Evaluate your support network, identifying strengths and areas where additional support might be needed to ensure a smooth reintegration.
- Consider potential challenges you may face upon your return and develop proactive strategies to address them.
By engaging in this thoughtful reflection, you can create a tailored action plan that will help you navigate your transition back to campus life, setting the stage for both academic and personal success. You may wish to share some of these reflections with members of your advising network or the Director of Leaves to prepare for a successful term.
Harvard College students register for courses in advance of the upcoming academic term. You will work with your Resident Dean on your initial advising conversation during your transition back to the College. As you prepare for the upcoming registration period, it's important to ensure that all requirements and holds are in order. Begin by checking your my.harvard account for any immunization or advising holds that might affect your ability to register.
In addition to resolving holds, it's valuable to review all available registration information before making your course selections.
- Basic syllabus information: During the registration period, Canvas provides basic syllabus details for each course, helping you assess assignments, grading standards, and course formats.
- Discussion sections and labs: Pay special attention to courses with discussion sections and labs, as selecting or indicating preferences for section times is often a critical part of registration.
- Limited enrollment courses: Be mindful of limited enrollment courses that have specific entry requirements.
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is a valuable support for students returning from a leave. The ARC aims to help students engage meaningfully in their courses through the development of academic and executive-functioning skills. The ARC offers individual academic coaching, group workshops, individual and group peer tutoring, and accountability hours to help students build and practice strategies for success in and out of the classroom.
After declaring your intent to return to Harvard, please feel free to book an appointment with the ARC’s Learning Specialist, Sam Orsagh-Yentis. She is happy to speak with you about your goals for your Harvard experience and help you develop a path to reach them. Sam often works with students to build skills around improving time management, avoiding procrastination, finding focus, and studying effectively, among others. These skills are central to a college student’s success, and your feelings of confidence in these areas will be especially valuable as you navigate the transition back to Harvard.
Sam can also connect you to other resources within the ARC and the broader university to ensure you have what you need to thrive at Harvard. ARC peer tutoring, for instance, is a particularly useful support for students looking for additional practice and review of course-specific material. Please know, the ARC is here to support you and help you succeed!
Harvard is devoted to ensuring that transitions, like returning to College after a leave, are as smooth and supportive as possible by providing a wealth of resources for mental and physical health. Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) and Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) are just two pillars in the university’s comprehensive approach to student wellbeing, offering care from skilled clinicians and counselors. Whether through individual counseling, group therapy, or wellness workshops, these services are designed to help students navigate academic life with resilience and balance.
Recognizing that every student's journey is unique, Harvard emphasizes holistic wellbeing through its Center for Wellness and Health Promotion. Here, students can participate in programs ranging from yoga and meditation to workshops on sleep and stress management, ensuring they have the tools needed to maintain their health and wellness. Returning students are encouraged to make use of these extensive resources to foster an environment where they feel empowered and ready to thrive both personally and academically.
The FAS Disability Access Office (DAO) within Student Services partners with students with visible and invisible disabilities to identify barriers and implement plans for access. If you think you will need accommodations, please reach out to them prior to your return to campus.