A student who requires time away from their academic program but who intends to re-enroll at DePaul within five quarters may request a leave of absence. Students must be enrolled in the fifth quarter after beginning their leave of absence (excluding summer term and December intersession). Students will be subject to the NonEnrollment/Discontinuation Policy if they do not enroll in the fifth term after their leave of absence begins. Students seeking a leave of absence related to military service will find the procedure outlined in the Military Academic Adjustments policy. Students should consult their academic advisor to determine if their college has a more restrictive leave of absence policy. This policy does not cover the College of Law; therefore, College of Law students should consult with the college if seeking a leave of absence.
Students are limited to a maximum of four quarters leave of absence for each career (undergraduate or graduate). The quarters need not be consecutive. A student wishing to take a leave of absence must complete a Leave of Absence form in Campus Connect. Their Degree Progress Report will reflect the requirements from the student’s entrance term while a student remains on leave of absence. Students are not required to reapply for admittance to the University if they re-enroll within five quarters (not including summer quarter or December intersession). If a student does not return within this time frame, they must apply to be re-admitted as a student by submitting a Returning Student application. If a student requests a leave of absence that spans fewer than the four quarters they are allowed as a maximum, they are required to return for the term indicated in their leave of absence request. If additional time away is needed that falls within the four term limit, students can contact the Office of the University Registrar for an extension. Re-admission does not extend the number of terms for which a student may take a leave of absence.
Students who do not submit an official leave of absence in Campus Connect will be automatically discontinued if there is no enrollment for three terms.
Students who receive financial aid are encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid to discuss the effect of a leave of absence on their financial aid.
To initiate a leave of absence, a student will use the tool in Campus Connect (select the “Advising, Progress & Graduation” tile and click on “Leave/Withdrawal Request”). Upon submitting their request, the student will receive a notification of its receipt from the Office of the University Registrar. The student will receive a second email once their leave of absence is processed.