university seal Editor's notes:

POLICY TITLE: Carnegie Mellon University Student Leave Policy

DATE OF ISSUANCE: This policy was originally approved by the President's Council on November 13, 1996. It was most recently amended in February 2004.

ACCOUNTABLE DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Enrollment Services. General questions about policy content should be directed to The HUB, x8-8186.

ABSTRACT: Policy explains what students need to do to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the university.

RELATED POLICIES:

FORMS:


Carnegie Mellon University Student Leave Policy

Policy Statement

Students must sometimes interrupt their studies for a variety of reasons (financial, academic or personal). Students choosing to take a leave of absence should first contact their department advisor to discuss their plans while on leave and to work out any conditions that may be necessary for a smooth return to Carnegie Mellon.

A student may leave Carnegie Mellon by either withdrawing from the university (leaving the university with no intention of returning) or by taking a leave of absence (leaving the university temporarily, with the firm and stated intention of returning).

A Leave of Absence Form must be completed by all students requesting a leave of absence. A Withdrawal Form must be completed by all students who are withdrawing. Notifying instructors and no longer attending classes does not complete the process. Forms are available in the academic departments, deans' office and on The HUB web site. Not completing the leave form results in tuition being charged to midpoint of the semester or the last date the student attended an academically-related activity such as an exam, tutorial or study group, or the last day a student turned in a class assignment.

Students are required to fill out all information on the form, including all comment sections relating to reasons for their leave. After completing of the form, students must take it to their home department and dean's office for appropriate signatur

Students are required to fill out all information on the form, including all comment sections relating to reasons for their leave. After completing the form, students must take it to their home department and dean's office for appropriate signatures. The process of taking a leave will not be complete until all necessary signatures are on the leave form. Under certain circumstances, students may also need the Dean of Student Affairs to sign off on the appropriate form. Nonresident alien students must consult the Office of International Education for information on possible visa implications prior to going on leave.

Students on leave are not permitted to live in university housing or attend classes or maintain employment as students at Carnegie Mellon while their leave is in effect.

Doctoral candidates under ABD (All But Dissertation) status who wish to take a leave of absence should refer to the ABD and In Absentia policy.

Leaves during the academic semester will take effect as of the date signed by the student's dean. After the Leave of Absence or Withdrawal Form is received by Enrollment Services, it will be reviewed for appropriate tuition refunds (see Enrollment Services: Tuition and Fees Adjustment Policy) and grade implications. The recording of student courses and grades for taking a leave in a semester follows the deadlines for semester or mini courses, as follows:

Contact

Questions concerning this policy or its intent should be directed to:
The HUB, x8-8186.



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