Unsure if you'll be able to continue your studies in the following semester? A leave of absence may be requested for up to two academic semesters if circumstances arise which make you unable to maintain your registration.
Find the Graduate Studies Leave of Absence policy here. A written request must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by email to gradstudies@case.edu. Check with your advisor if you are considering an LOA.
Students in the School of Graduate Studies are expected to maintain continuous registration in the Fall and Spring terms, unless on an approved leave of absence. If a student wishes to request a leave, they must do so in writing by submitting the Leave of Absence request form The request must not exceed two consecutive academic semesters. The reason for the leave must be stated clearly, and the request must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies with the written endorsement of the student’s academic department. International students must check with the Visa & Immigration Services & Advisors Office before petitioning for a leave of absence, as such a leave can affect their visa status. In exceptional circumstances, the leave can be extended for another two semesters. However, the maximum amount of leave permitted per graduate program is four semesters.
During a leave of absence, a student may complete outstanding/missing work in courses (subject to the established Graduate Studies policy on Incomplete Grades), but may not fulfill other degree requirements. Students also may not take comprehensive or qualifying exams or defend a thesis or dissertation. A leave of absence does not extend the maximum time permitted for the completion of degree requirements, and a leave cannot generally be taken while students are on extension of the five-year limit. At the expiration of the leave, the student must resume registration unless formally granted an extension of the leave by submitting a new leave of absence form.
A student who is granted a parental leave of absence related to infant care, as well as those who must fulfill military duty obligations, can petition to extend the five-year time limit associated with completion of the degree. The length of this extension may not exceed two years.