Leave of Absence and Reinstatement

One Stop Student Services advises that if you do not plan to enroll in classes for at least 1 semester or more and plan to return to the University within 2 academic years, you may qualify for a leave of absence. A formal leave of absence allows you to break your continuous enrollment and return to your degree program at a later date. This provides several benefits to you, such as being able to maintain your active student status, and continuing with the same degree program requirements when you return. If you do not have a definite plan to return or are transferring to another school, please see information about withdrawing.

Students who are not able to maintain active status are strongly encouraged to consult with their director of graduate studies, advisor, and relevant offices to determine whether requesting a leave of absence is the most appropriate course of action. 

Forms

Leave of Absence (LOA) Request Form

LOA Reinstatement Request Form 

• CLA follows the Leave of Absence (LOA) and Reinstatement from a Leave policy and procedure set out by University
• Students go through approval process initiated at the Department level for 1-4 semester(s) LOA.  
• The clock is stopped for funding contingent upon budgetary considerations.
• Promised funding is honored if and only if the budget allows.

Procedure

• Student requests an approved LOA from DGS according to departmental, CLA, and University policy guidelines and procedures.
• Department reviews request and either: 
  a) approves OR;
  b) denies leave of absence.
• If approved, the Department drafts letter specifying the time and term and stipulation of financial contract with new timetable for time to degree and completion, and new funding timeline, alerting students to potential issues (International status, insurance, student loans… see resources, below).
• DGS/DGS assistant or appropriate department administrator coordinates and officially requests the leave of absence for a student from CLA, provides copies of the letter of support and explanation, and submits the completed University Leave of Absence request and Reinstatement forms to CLA's Office of Research and Graduate Programs.
• DGS/DGS assistant or appropriate admissions administrator assists the student in Reinstatement process.
• If denied, the Department drafts letter specifying reasons for denial of a leave of absence according to CLA and University policy guidelines.