Request for a Leave of Absence

Student Instructions

Definition: A Leave of Absence is a temporary suspension of studies granted to an eligible student in good academic standing. A leave of absence always has a defined start and end date. The maximum length of time a student can be on a leave of absence is one year.

Making the decision to enter a leave of absence is an important one. Familiarize yourself with the University Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy (including the tuition refund policy, Title IV refund policy, housing termination policy, and your department’s satisfactory academic progress requirements).

Required Steps:
Below are the steps you will need to take in order to request a leave of absence from your academic program.

1. Complete the Leave of Absence Request form
   A letter which details the circumstances of your request must accompany this form.
   
    
2. Meet with Your Academic Department
   You will be required to obtain the approval of your academic department before you enter a leave of absence. Your academic department will counsel you and guide you throughout the leave of absence process. You should initiate this process well in advance, ideally at the end or beginning of a quarter.
    
3. Meet with Student Service Departments
   This is a vital step to ensure that you fully understand the impact your change in student status will have on your financial aid, student billing account, housing, health insurance, and other issues. It is strongly recommended that you receive clearance from student service offices before a leave will be approved. Financial Aid Office: All student loan borrowers entering leave of absence should meet with the Financial Aid Office to discuss the financial implications. Students entering a leave of six months or more will be required to complete a financial aid exit interview.
   
   Student Housing: If you are a resident of student housing, you will need to meet with the housing office to discuss your plans and your housing contract.
   
   Registrar’s Office: Meet with the Registrar’s Office to withdraw from courses and update your address.
   
   Business Office: Discuss your billing.
    
4. Receive final approval from Your Academic Department
   Your leave of absence is not approved without the signature of your academic department.
   
    
5. Receive Final Billing and Institutional Loan Paperwork
   Finalize billing and institutional loan requirements with the Business Office.

Student Responsibilities

• Update your address with Registrar and student loan servicers.
• Notify the Business Office in writing if you wish to cancel your health insurance and receive a refund of prepaid premiums.
• Keep your student loan accounts in good standing by entering repayment or filing timely deferments if necessary.
• Contact your academic department granting authority prior to end of your leave of absence to confirm intent to return.
• Contact the Financial Aid Office prior to the end of your leave of absence to ensure your financial aid applications are complete.
• Students on a leave of absence are not eligible for additional financial aid funds and you should plan accordingly.
• If you require an extension of your leave of absence, contact your academic department and complete a new Leave of Absence Request form.
• Failure to re-enroll by the end of your leave of absence will result in a withdrawal from the program.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST FORM