| Policies > Degree Requirements > Continuous Enrollment |
In general, graduate students are expected to be enrolled in consecutive long terms (i.e., Fall and Spring terms) until the degree program is completed and the degree is awarded.
A graduate student who is not enrolled should not expect to be able to use the facilities of the University of Houston campus. Students who cannot enroll in a given term must apply to their college for a leave of absence in order to remain in good standing. Students should contact the office of the dean for individual college regulations on enrollment. A student who does not return to enrolled status at the end of an approved period of leave is no longer considered to be pursuing an advanced degree.
A student who leaves the university without obtaining a formal leave of absence from graduate study is not automatically readmitted. The recommendation of the department and the approval of the college dean, based on the academic merits of the student’s request, are required. If readmitted, the student will be subject to all of the current requirements for the degree in effect at the time of readmission.
Doctoral students who have begun their graduate research must be continuously enrolled in each long term unless they have an approved leave of absence. A doctoral student not on campus, and who is not using university resources, may be permitted by the Dean of the College and the Dean of the Graduate School to carry a reduced course load.
Leaves of Absence (LOA) Policy
Graduate and professional students who are unable to enroll in courses for a given term due to exceptional circumstances should apply for an LOA. As noted above, an LOA is a requirement for doctoral students and recommended for master’s/non-degree option/certificate students. Special professional students (JD, MD, PharmD, OD) should check with their program regarding the LOA policy for their program.
Exceptional circumstances for an LOA may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical issues (including physical or mental health)
- Family emergencies or caretaking responsibilities
- Professional opportunities (internships, fellowships, or work experience directly relevant to their field of study)
- Military service
Program/department/college level LOA policies take precedence and may differ from the University policy described here.
International students should check with International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) for specific requirements for continuous enrollment and LOA reporting requirements related to their visa status.
Duration and Terms of LOA
An LOA may be granted for a period ranging from one term to one year. While on an LOA, students should not register for coursework but are encouraged to maintain contact with their program as stipulated by the terms of their LOA. The total time of LOA over the course of a degree program may not exceed 12 months of required enrollment. Extensions beyond 12 months of required enrollment may be granted under exceptional circumstances but require a new LOA application.
International students should consult with International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) regarding the LOA.
All LOA requests must include specific conditions for the return from LOA. An approved leave of absence does not allow extra time for resolving a grade of incomplete (I). An approved leave of absence does not extend the time limitations of 5 years for a master’s degree and 10 years for a doctoral degree.
LOA Application Process
To apply for a leave of absence, a student should:
- Submit a formal request using the Graduate and Professional Student Petition.
- Provide supporting documentation (e.g., medical certification, employer letters, military orders) as applicable.
- The petition for an LOA must include a letter addressed and also provided to the student with specific requirements and instructions for return to the program after the LOA has ended.
- Once completed, the petition should be submitted to the Graduate/Professional Student Advisor/Assistant or Associate Dean for signature and processing. After the relevant department/program/college signatures have been obtained, the petition is submitted to the Graduate School for processing. The petition should be submitted 30 days prior to the start of the term for which the leave is requested, or as soon as possible in cases of unforeseen emergencies.
- International students must also consult with the International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO) regarding additional requirements such as a Reduced Course Load or Authorized Early Withdrawal.
- When an LOA is approved, an enrollment hold will be placed on the student’s account that prohibits future enrollment until the conditions for a return from LOA have been met and approved.
Status During LOA
Students on an approved LOA retain standing in the academic program but may not use university facilities or engage in coursework during the leave period.
Conditions for Returning from LOA
To return from an LOA, students should notify their department at least 30 days before the start of the term they intend to re-enroll. A request to return from LOA should be submitted via the Graduate and Professional Student Petition. In some cases, additional conditions or documentation (e.g., medical clearance, academic readiness assessment) may be required before a return from LOA is approved.
Failure to Return from LOA
A student who does not return to enrolled status after an approved LOA period and who does not seek an extension of the LOA will be dismissed by the academic program. Also see Academic Dismissal Policy. Readmission to the academic program after dismissal generally requires a formal reapplication to the program, with no guarantee of acceptance and/or financial support. Students readmitted will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of their readmission.
Appeals Process
If a leave of absence/return from LOA request is denied by a program, the student may appeal the decision to the college. A student may appeal a college decision directly to the Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School within 14 days of notification of the college level denial.
|