Voluntary Leave of Absence

Graduate students are expected to maintain active status through continuous registration from the time they matriculate until they graduate. At times, however, students may need to interrupt their enrollment for reasons they cannot control (e.g., medical, personal or military deployment). Students who are not able to maintain active status are strongly encouraged to consult with the director/chair of their graduate program studies and relevant offices to determine whether requesting a leave of absence is the most appropriate course of action.

Students who experience circumstances that prevent them from maintaining active student status will ordinarily be granted College approval for a leave of absence upon request. Allowing students to take a leave of absence provides students the opportunity to return to the College under the rules and policies in effect when they left and without affecting their time to degree. Students must complete a Leave of Absence form that specifies the term(s) and year(s) of the leave. If the reason for the leave is military deployment, a copy of military orders must be provided; and if the reason is for medical leave, the student must include documentation from their healthcare provider identifying the condition and anticipated time needed for the leave.

The following policies and procedures govern a request for a leave of absence:

• If approved, a leave may be granted for up to one (1) year.
• Students who obtain a College-approved leave of absence will not be eligible for financial aid while on leave and no enrollment will be reported to defer student loans. An appointment with the Office of Student Financial Aid Services will be required prior to leave approval.
• A leave notation will appear on the transcript for the term in which the leave began.
• In order to return from a leave of absence, students must notify the graduate program of their intent to return within a timeframe specified by the Dean by completing the Returning Graduate Student Form.
• Reinstatement to active status may be denied based on crimes or other serious misconduct occurring during the leave that would have been grounds for suspension or expulsion had the student engaged in the conduct while enrolled (for additional information, see the College’s Student Handbook).
• Students whose leave of absence has expired and who have not yet registered for the following term will be administratively withdrawn. Students who are administratively withdrawn must apply for re-admission (see Re-Admission Policy and Procedures).
• Graduate programs may develop additional rules governing leaves of absence, as long as they are consistent with this policy.