Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence is an approved interruption of enrollment for a defined period of time. A Leave of Absence differs from Course or Term Withdrawal, which is governed by the University’s withdrawal policy.

Withdrawing from all courses does not automatically constitute a Leave of Absence or formal separation from the University.

Duration

A Leave of Absence may be approved for a minimum of one semester and a maximum of three consecutive semesters.

Students who do not return within the approved leave period must apply for readmission and will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of readmission. Students must enroll in at least one term each academic year to maintain continuous enrollment.

How to Request a Leave of Absence

Students must:

Meet with their academic advisor to review degree progress and academic implications.
Consult Financial Aid & Scholarships and Student Account Services to understand financial and aid implications.
Submit a Leave of Absence request to Records & Registration.

International students must consult the appropriate international student office prior to requesting a Leave of Absence to ensure compliance with visa regulations.

Academic and Financial Impact

The timing of the Leave of Absence request will determine how registration is impacted:

Requests made during the drop/add period will result in courses being dropped.
Requests made after drop/add but before the withdrawal deadline will result in courses being withdrawn (W), subject to the Withdrawal Limit Rule.
Students experiencing extenuating circumstances may qualify for Withdrawal with Extenuating Circumstances (WE) under existing policy.
Requests made after final grades are posted will take effect the following term.

Tuition and fee refunds follow the University’s published refund schedule.

Students remain financially responsible for all courses in which they are enrolled after the drop/add period.

Status During Leave

Students on an approved Leave of Absence:

May not enroll in courses.
May not receive financial aid.
May not utilize services reserved for enrolled students.

Returning from Leave

Students must notify Records & Registration of their intent to return by the published deadline for the return term. Failure to return within the approved leave period will require readmission.