Leaves of absence allow graduate students the ability to deal with unforeseen events that interfere with their academic progress. To be eligible for a leave, you must have completed at least one semester or completed a minimum of three (3) credit hours in the program. You also must be in good academic standing—if you are on academic probation, you are not eligible for a leave. All leave requests are reviewed and granted on a case-by-case basis.
During a temporary leave, you are not expected to make progress toward your degree. Although you may complete coursework from previous terms during a leave, you may not use the leave to catch up on current coursework, prepare for exams, or attend classes elsewhere.
You may request a temporary leave of absence as early as six (6) months prior to the leave start date. You can request up to 12 consecutive months of relief from coursework and academic requirements. Leaves can be taken for extended or intermittent periods if the total length of the leaves is 15 months or less.
While you are on leave, you will maintain access to basic university resources such as library services, email, and campus buses. If you do not enroll for two consecutive terms (fall, spring, and summer), your university accounts will be disabled.
After a temporary leave of absence, you are expected to return to your program of study and resume progress toward your degree. Leaves of absence may not be requested retroactively. The Office of Online Education will review your request and make a formal decision. You will receive official notification of the decision via email.