Graduate students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) if they are unable to maintain active student status due to personal, medical, military, or other significant reasons.

• Students must submit a Leave of Absence form specifying the length of the leave.
• An approved LOA may not exceed one academic year, except in exceptional cases.
• Time spent on leave does not count toward time-to-degree limits.
• Students on LOA may not access university services or facilities reserved for enrolled students.
• Students must re-enroll no later than the term immediately following the expiration of the leave (excluding summer) to remain in good standing. Programs may set conditions for reinstatement.
• Reinstatement may be denied if serious misconduct occurs during the leave. Students must disclose any such conduct per the OSU Student Code of Conduct.
• Students who do not register after an LOA expires will be placed on inactive status and must reapply for readmission.
• Students who leave without an approved LOA may be dismissed from their program or held to new degree requirements if readmitted.
• Graduate programs may set additional LOA policies as long as they align with Graduate College and University rules.

Documentation: Each program must develop and publicize its LOA process and must inform all incoming graduate students about it.

The Leave of Absence policy exists to support students who must pause their studies for reasons beyond their control. It ensures:

• Students can return under the same rules and degree requirements in place when they left.
• Time away on an approved leave does not count against time-to-degree limits.
• The university can guide a smooth reinstatement after the leave.
• Students are given the flexibility to navigate personal, medical, or life challenges without jeopardizing their academic progress.

No. Students are not required to register during an approved leave of absence. However, if a student chooses to re-enroll before the leave ends, they must follow the official returning from a leave of absence procedures. 

No. Students will not be charged tuition or fees during an approved leave of absence, as long as they cancel enrollment before published university deadlines.

However, students on leave are not eligible for federal student loan deferment and may be required to begin repayment depending on the length of the leave. Students should check with their loan servicer to understand how a leave may impact their loans.

No. An approved leave of absence does not count toward time-to-degree limits, and students are not expected to make academic progress during the leave period. 

No. Students on an approved leave of absence are not considered enrolled and may not use campus services such as:

• Laboratories
• Libraries
• Student amenities
• Research facilities
• Faculty or administrative support (except for reinstatement-related matters)

No. The Graduate Assistant Health Plan does not offer COBRA coverage, so it cannot be extended beyond the current coverage period:

• If the GRA/GTA assignment ends in the fall, coverage ends December 31 of that year.
• If the GRA/GTA assignment ends in the spring, coverage continues through, but cannot extend beyond July 31 of that year.

A leave of absence for international students is subject to SEVIS regulations and requires completion of additional forms. All international students considering a leave of absence must consult the International Students and Scholars (ISS) Office. 

Graduate programs should refer to applicable University policies, especially when the student is a University employee (such as a GRA or GTA). For non-employee students, programs are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to approve leave requests related to significant life events such as illness, family emergencies, childbirth or adoption, and military service. The program and student must document any specific requirements or conditions related to the leave and the process for reinstatement. 

Units shall reinstate a student following an approved leave of absence and should provide appropriate advising to help reintegrate the student into the graduate program. 

Students who take a leave of absence during the semester must withdraw from all courses, forfeit tuition and fees (unless a petition for a refund is approved), and receive no course credit. If the leave occurs late in the term and the student qualifies, an incomplete (“I”) grade may be awarded, in accordance with university policy.

Federal aid recipients may have to repay some or all of their aid. Visit the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid website or call 405-744-6604 for details.

Leave of absence dates are term-specific. The start date is the first day of the term the leave begins, regardless of when the request is submitted. The return date is the first day of the term (excluding summer) following the end of the approved leave. 

Yes. You may return in any term before, but not later than, the term immediately following your approved leave (excluding summer). You must consult your advisor or program coordinator and the Graduate College before your leave expires to discuss reinstatement terms and secure required approvals. All leaves are based on specific academic terms, even if returning early. 

Generally, no. Students should plan to return at the beginning of a semester. However, in special cases, early-semester reinstatement may be allowed during the drop/add period (first two weeks of fall or spring, first week of summer) with approval from both the advisor or program coordinator and the Graduate College. 

Yes. A leave of absence can impact assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and financial aid. Before requesting leave, consult with your graduate program, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Graduate College, and the International Students and Scholars Office (if applicable). If your funding comes from an external source, contact that agency directly to understand any implications. 

Students pursuing two graduate degrees in different programs must request a leave of absence from both programs. Those enrolled in a graduate degree and a professional degree (such as DVM or DO) must request a leave from their graduate program and also follow the leave of absence policy of the professional program. 

Extensions are rarely granted. If you believe an extension is necessary, you must begin the process at least one month before your current leave expires. It is your responsibility to submit all required paperwork before the original leave ends.