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Leaves of Absence

Students who feel that the classroom is losing its attractiveness, or who simply wish to gain perspective on their education so far, may want to consider taking a leave of absence for a semester or a year. About 15% of the undergraduate population at Brown takes a leave at some point in their academic career during which they do not study elsewhere; about 90% of those who report back assure us that this was a good idea. Education is not something that begins or ends in the classroom, and for some students time away from college contributes more to personal development that any single year or semester at college. You may want to investigate a program that is not strictly speaking "academic," such as an internship, an apprenticeship, or some kind of visiting scholar program.

All of the academic deans in University Hall are available to talk to students about leavetaking. In addition, counselors working in the Venture Program and in the Curricular Resource Center can also work directly with students to help them find jobs. The Curricular Resource Center maintains a job bank for the Venture Program, along with information gathered from students who have taken leaves in the past.