Leave of Absence, Graduate Studies

Summary

To articulate guidelines for Graduate Students' Leave of Absence. 

Body

PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.

DOCUMENT TYPE:

Policy

PURPOSE:

To articulate guidelines for Graduate Students' Leave of Absence. 

APPLIES TO:

Graduate Students 

CAMPUS:

Edwards, Lawrence

POLICY STATEMENT:

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, disability, 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 toward 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 (5) years, the student will lose their place in the program and must reapply for admission.

To request a leave of absence, the program must complete a Progress to Degree form. 

CONTACT:

Graduate Studies
785-864-8040
graduate@ku.edu

APPROVED BY:

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

APPROVED ON:

2009-06-02 

EFFECTIVE ON:

2009-06-02 

REVIEW CYCLE:

Annual (As Needed)

RELATED STATUTES, REGULATIONS, AND/OR POLICIES:

Accommodation

RELATED PROCEDURES:

Workplace Accommodation Procedures

RELATED FORMS:

Formal Request for Workplace Accommodation

RELATED OTHER:

Student Access Center

CHANGE HISTORY:

04/02/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
07/25/2023: Fixed broken links.
03/20/2023: Removed broken link.
04/30/2021: Updated policy to include mental health terminology. 
11/27/2017: Updated Related Procedures.
07/20/2016: Updated to remove gendered pronouns.
02/08/2013: Graduate Studies updated this policy.

Details

Details

Article ID: 21277
Created
Thu 3/13/25 1:18 PM
Modified
Wed 4/2/25 3:11 PM

Related Articles

Related Articles (4)

To prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in all aspects of employment related activities as outlined in federal and state law.
To define minimum pre-comprehensive enrollment and duration expectations for doctoral students. 
To enable graduate students who are new parents to maintain their student status and to facilitate their full participation in coursework, research, and clinical training.
To define how and when a degree-seeking student is permitted to re-enroll in graduate study at the University of Kansas.