Students returning from an approved personal or military leave are not required to file a formal application for return but should contact both their department or program and the Office of the Dean approximately six weeks before the start of the semester in which they wish to return. Students returning from a medical leave must submit to the GSAS Dean’s Office a doctor’s note approving their return. Students returning from leave register during the registration period immediately before the semester begins (August for fall, January for spring).
Returning from Unapproved Leaves
Doctoral Students
A student in a doctoral program in the Arts and Sciences who leaves the university without having obtained a Leave of Absence must apply again for admission to the doctoral program as a new student. Admission for return to graduate study is granted at the discretion of the department and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Master's Students
A student in a master’s program in the Arts and Sciences who leaves the University without having obtained a Leave of Absence must apply for reinstatement, which is granted at the discretion of the department and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, by submitting the Application for Return to M.A. Study (.pdf). The special approval of the Dean, contingent upon the merits of the student's request and the recommendation of the department or program, is required for reinstatement. Students petitioning for reinstatement must submit the application to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at least eight weeks before the first day of registration for the term in which they intend to resume studies.
For all students, the Office of the Dean requests the department or program to supply a written schedule for the completion of all requirements before the student is either admitted (in the case of doctoral students) or reinstated (in the case of master’s students). The student is expected to complete the degree by the date specified by the faculty; extensions will not be granted.
If admitted (in the case of doctoral students) or reinstated (in the case of master’s students), the student will become subject to all current requirements as interpreted by the Dean with regard to the student's case. In cases where there has been a prolonged interruption of studies, a department may require a student to retake examinations and/or courses as appropriate.