A student who wishes to take a leave of absence should discuss the matter with the Associate Dean for Students. When a leave is granted after the start of the semester and prior to the end of the semester, course registration for that semester will be cancelled. Depending on when the leave is requested, a student may still be liable for that semester’s tuition. Students considering a leave should discuss the financial aid implications with the Financial Aid Office. Leaves of absence are granted for up to one year; however, an extension for a second year may be permitted upon a petition for good cause. A leave of absence does not extend the six year period within which the J.D. program must be completed, unless the leave is required for active military service.
A first year student granted a leave prior to the end of the Fall semester must resume study only in a Fall semester. A first year student granted leave prior to completion of the Spring semester must resume study only in a Spring semester. Students who are granted a leave prior to the completion of any mandated first year course must, upon resuming study, register for that course during the first semester in which it is offered. A student who is repeating the first year program or whose cumulative average is less than 2.00 at the time a leave of absence is granted may not change division upon return.