Leaves of Absence

Associated forms: Leave of Absence Request Withdrawal Request

During the course of graduate study a student may need to request a leave of absence. Applications for leaves of absence should be sent to the Graduate School by December 15th of the year preceding the year in which the leave is to be taken. Failure to inform the Graduate School means that the student will still be considered active and will be billed for tuition. Directors of graduate study must approve all leave of absence applications.

Students must use the standard form to request a leave and should attach a separate note explaining the reason for their request. The DGS should sign the form to indicate approval and forward it to the Graduate School for approval by the Dean. Leaves of absence are normally granted for one year.

To extend a leave of absence for a second year, students must file extensions with their DGSs prior to the expiration of their leaves. Students who do not file extensions will be automatically withdrawn from their graduate programs at Brown. To return to active status, students must notify the Graduate School in writing by May 1 for a fall-semester return or November 1 for a spring-semester return.

The DGS should be aware that granting a leave implies that the program will be willing to readmit the student, though sometimes only if certain conditions are met; any such conditions should be put in writing and clearly understood by all parties. Students on leave do not have access to the library or other facilities, including the University's electronic resources. If the student is an alumna/us (such as a master's degree holder) he or she may use the library under that status. Borrowing privileges may also be purchased for a nominal fee. (Ask at the circulation desk at the Rockefeller Library.)

Readmission of a student from a leave of absence does not require a complete formal application, unless the department faculty request one. A student who has taken a leave of absence should write to his or her department requesting readmission; the DGS should then endorse and forward the request to the Graduate School for approval by the Dean.

Students who will be doing research away from Brown should maintain active student status as Traveling Scholars.

Readmission from a medical or psychological leave requires that the student's doctor write to Brown's office of Health Services or Psychological Services, as appropriate, to attest that the student is able to resume studies.