A student who is working towards residency requirements and needs to take a leave from the university (general leave, family leave, medical leave, or childbirth accommodation), must request an official leave of absence. Students must apply for a leave of absence using the “Petition for Absence” form via TGS Forms in CAESAR. In this form, the student must set forth why a leave is necessary. Leaves of absence are not granted automatically and must be reviewed by both the department and The Graduate School. No leave is granted for less than one quarter or more than one calendar year. If a student requests renewal of a leave of absence beyond one year, the student’s record and future plans will be reviewed to determine whether an extension of the leave is in the best interests of the student, the department, and The Graduate School.

 

Students who have completed residency requirements and wish to take a leave from the University in order to work on the dissertation, perform research at another institution, or relocate while finishing degree requirements do not need to fill out the Petition for Absence form. These students must continue to maintain registration until all degree requirements are complete. 

 

Any student who is granted a leave of absence and who is not eligible for the childbirth accommodation must register for TGS 512 Continuous Registration for each Fall, Winter and Spring quarter the student is absent.  A student who is granted a childbirth accommodation should maintain her regular coursework and/or research registrations during the period of leave. 

 

While in the United States, students on F1 and J1 visas must be registered for three quarters each calendar year to maintain visa status. 

 

Students who do not maintain continuous registration must apply for readmission using the paper form, "Application for Readmission" unless otherwise indicated by The Graduate School, the student's department, or Counseling and Psychological Services. This policy also applies to current graduate students who interrupt their residency in a degree program by not registering for one or more quarters, with the exception of the Summer Session.

 

Students who have not registered for more than one calendar year should determine whether the department requires supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or additional materials. If required, these items should be submitted directly to the department. In consultation with the department, The Graduate School reviews the student's record to ascertain whether readmission is warranted.