The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) recognizes that students may need temporary breaks from their academic work. This policy outlines the procedures and considerations for Leaves of Absence (LOA). Students should consult their program administrator or the Dean of Students at bsddos@lists.uchicago.edu for individualized guidance.
General Leave Policies The Biological Sciences Division permits graduate students to take leaves of absence for up to four academic quarters, with leave periods not counted toward degree completion timelines. Leaves cannot be taken during a student's first quarter of graduate study. The University's complete leave policy is documented in the Student Manual, which students should review when planning their absence. Information about tuition proration is available on the Bursar's website.
Types of Leave
The Student Manual details the varying types of LOAs. Below details the most common LOAs.
Personal Leave of Absence
Students wanting to take personal leaves, which may be taken for any reasons, should consult with their advisor, program chair, and program administrator to assess academic standing and develop a re-entry plan. To make a formal request, students must submit the complete the LOA Form and, if applicable, complete exit counseling through the Financial Aid Office prior to their departure.
Medical/Parental Leave of Absence (mLOA)
Medical leaves require substantiating documentation from a licensed healthcare provider, specifying both the leave start date and projected return timeline. Students must upload the Medical/Parental Relief Leave of Absence Application and supporting documents to the LOA Form. Returns are only permitted at the start of the quarter. Parental leave recipients are subject to the provisions outlined in the Graduate Student Parent Policy.
Involuntary Leave of Absence
The Dean of Students may place a student on involuntary or administrative leave of absence. The Dean of Students may impose leave for policy violations, safety concerns, or other financial/administrative concerns. The Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Education, Graduate Education or Associate Dean for Master’s Education will assess circumstances before imposing leave and typically offer the student the option to take a voluntary leave first. If refused and the issues remain unresolved, involuntary leave may be imposed retroactive to the start of the quarter, requiring at least one quarter's absence
Reinstatement requires approval from both the Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Education, Graduate Education or Associate Dean for Master’s Education. Students placed on involuntary leave may appeal the decision by submitting a written request for review, along with any supporting documentation, to the Dean of Students within fifteen business days of the decision date.
International Student Considerations
Students maintaining F-1 or J-1 visa status must adhere to additional requirements. These include simultaneous submission of leave documentation to both the Dean of Students Office (DOS) and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and careful monitoring of immigration status implications. Visa reactivation procedures may necessitate extended processing timelines beyond standard return procedures. Students should review the leave of absence information available on OIA’s website.
Returning from Leave
Students seeking to resume academic activities must formally notify their academic program and the DOS no fewer than four weeks preceding their intended return quarter by submitting the Intent to Return Form. Medical leave returnees must provide current medical clearance for any deviation from originally approved return timelines. Failure to do so may result in administrative leave of absence and subsequent withdrawal from the program.
Campus Privileges During Leave
While on approved leave, students retain access to essential university services including institutional email, career counseling resources through Career Advancement, and graduate student support services via UChicagoGRAD. Library privileges remain available, though certain services may incur usage fees. Medical and parental leave recipients maintaining U-SHIP coverage continue to have access to Student Wellness services through the plan year's conclusion, subject to applicable student services fees.
Voluntary Withdrawal
Students who do not wish to complete their degree program may request voluntary withdrawal at any time. Students should discuss their withdrawal plans with their department/program and submit the Withdrawal Form.
Policy References:
- Full details: Student Manual
- International students: OIA Leave Guidelines