Absence from study in a Graduate School program has varying implications for readmission procedure, deadlines for attaining candidacy and earning the degree, depending on the student's status. In addition, regulations for domestic students may vary from those for international students.

Current Students: Official Leave of Absence
When special circumstances arise, a student may request an official leave of absence.  The student must set forth why a leave is necessary.  Students must apply for a leave of absence via TGS Forms in  CAESAR using the "Petition for Absence" form.  Leaves of absence are not granted automatically, and 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.

Any student who is granted a leave of absence must register for TGS 512 Continuous Registration for each quarter the student is absent.  Students who register for TGS 512 do not have to reapply for admission or submit an application for readmission. 

Students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for leaves of absence without TGS 512 registration. While in the United States, students on these visas must be registered for three quarters each calendar year to maintain their visa status.

A leave of absence does not alter the deadline for the removal of incomplete grades, the deadline for admission to doctoral candidacy, or the degree deadline (except for Family Leave).

If you are taking a medical leave during the winter, spring, or summer quarter and you are on Northwestern Insurance your benefits will not be affected. Because health insurance subsidies are established during fall quarter, if you are taking a medical leave during the fall and are on Northwestern Insurance you should contact your Student Services Representative for more information regarding qualification for the insurance subsidy. If you wish to cancel your health insurance subsidy, for any reason, please see the instructions here.

Returning Students
Students enrolled in TGS 512 who wish to return are not required to complete the Application for Readmission form or apply for readmission unless otherwise indicated by The Graduate School, the student's department, or Counseling and Psychological Services.  Students who do not abide by the continuous registration rule must apply for readmission using the paper form, "Application for Readmission."  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.