D-Plan

What is the D-Plan?

A typical D-Plan includes 12 “on terms” and 3 “off terms”. An on term is any term you are enrolled in Dartmouth courses which includes terms in Residence "R," terms in an Off-Campus Program "O," or terms in an Exchange Program "X." Alternatively, off terms are terms you are not enrolled at Dartmouth which include leave terms "L" and transfer terms "T." For F-1 purposes, T terms are sometimes considered “on” terms as it relates to your F-1 record. Speak to your OVIS advisor if you have further questions about this.

F-1 D-Planner

Earned vs. Unearned Leave Terms

F-1 students may have earned or unearned leave terms

Earned leave term – refers to any leave term that is preceded by at least three consecutive “on” terms (R, O, X, sometimes T). F-1 students can maintain their F-1 status and remain in the U.S. during earned leave terms. Full-time pre-completion OPT and CPT are only available during earned leave terms.

Unearned leave term - refers to any leave term that is not preceded by at least three consecutive “on” terms. If you have an unearned leave term in your D-plan, OVIS will need to terminate your F-1 record and you will need to leave the country during this unearned leave period. This termination is benign and will not impact your ability to return to the U.S in the future to resume your studies.

Unearned leave terms and implications for F-1 students

Termination – If a student takes an unearned leave term, they are no longer maintaining their F-1 status and their F-1 record must be terminated. A termination will result in either a “Fainted” or “Dead” I-20.

“Fainted” I-20 - A termination of an F-1 record for a leave of fewer than 5 months (no more than one off term) would result in a “fainted” I-20. “Fainted” refers to the fact that the I-20 may be eligible for reactivation. Up to 60 days before classes resume, OVIS can request a reactivation of your terminated F-1 record (I-20).. Reactivations do not require payment of a new I-901 SEVIS fee. You may continue to use your previously issued F-1 visa stamp if it is still valid.
“Dead” I-20 - A termination of an F-1 record for a leave of more than 5 months– even if part of that unenrolled period was an earned leave term– will result in a “dead” I-20. “Dead” refers to the fact that the F-1 record (I-20) cannot be reactivated. In order to return to the U.S. in F-1 status, you will need to request a new, initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number, provide updated financial documents, and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. You may continue to use your previously issued F-1 visa stamp if it is still valid.

Timing of termination request – In order to be eligible for a reactivation, you must request the termination of your I-20 in iDartmouth prior to your last day of classes. You will provide OVIS with your date of departure and OVIS will typically complete the SEVIS termination 1-2 business days after that date.

Reactivation

If you return to enroll within 5 months of the termination date (i.e. “fainted I-20”), you will submit an e-form to request a reactivation of your SEVIS record. Reactivation requests can be submitted in iDartmouth any time after you leave the US. OVIS can officially request a reactivation from SEVP up to 60 days before the start of the next on term.

Reactivation and OPT – as a general rule, you should have 3 on terms before applying for OPT. However, it may be possible to have OPT with an unearned leave term + a reactivation.

Changing your D-plan

Time Away Policy

Dartmouth offers three distinct categories of time away for both undergraduate and graduate/ professional students: Time Away for Medical Reasons (TAMR), Time Away for Personal Reasons (TAPR), and Time Away for Military Service (TAMS). Each category addresses specific circumstances and has distinct procedures and deadlines. Time away requests will be categorized by one of the three types of time away. If you are unsure which type of time away is appropriate for you and your situation, please contact the Office of Student Time Away.

*Note: students in F-1 status must request a termination of their I-20 BEFORE officially taking time away. If you are considering TAMR, TAPR, or TAMS, please meet with your OVIS advisor right away to discuss timing.

Types of Time Away

Medical Reasons/TAMR: TAMR should be considered if a break from the academic program may be beneficial due to health challenges, physical or mental, that significantly impact a student’s ability to function successfully or safely while engaging in their academic program at Dartmouth. TAMR provides students time to receive treatment beyond what can typically be provided or engaged in while actively enrolled in their academic program. Students can pursue a TAMR voluntarily; however, in rare circumstances, Dartmouth may require a student to take a TAMR. Please visit the TAMR policy to learn more about the TAMR policy and process.