Leave of Absence, Graduate Studies

A Leave of Absence may be granted upon request to the graduate program in advance of leave. A leave of absence may be granted in extraordinary circumstances (e.g. cases of illness, emergency, financial hardship, military leave), to pursue family responsibilities, or to pursue full-time activities related to long-range professional goals.

Appropriate documentation related to these extraordinary circumstances may be requested from the student directly. Evidence of progress towards degree will also be a determining factor in the decision to grant an exception.

The time taken for a leave of absence does not count against the student’s time to degree. However, if the total time for the leave extends more than five years, the student will lose the student's place in the program and must reapply for admission.

To request a leave of absence, the program must complete a Progress to Degree form. For more information, please visit the Graduate Studies website: http://www.graduate.ku.edu/progresstodegreeforms.