Leave of Absence

Last Updated

August 05, 2024

Introduction
Academic Requirements
Admissions
Conduct and Safety
Financial Aid
Non-Resident Students
Non-resident students fall into one of three categories:
-Students engaged in degree work full-time, not in Greater Boston/Cambridge, primarily with non-Harvard resources, for the majority of an academic term, are designated traveling scholars.
-Harvard Griffin GSAS degree candidates who are registered and studying at a Harvard faculty other than the FAS are designated as studying at another Harvard School.
-Students not engaged primarily in degree work may apply to take a leave of absence.
Registration
Residence Halls
Student Groups

On this page:

Types of Leave
While on Leave of Absence
Health Insurance
Related Contacts and Forms

Students not engaged primarily in degree work are considered on leave of absence. Leaves of absence fall into two categories:

Voluntary Leaves, including medical leave and family leave
Involuntary Leaves

While on Leave of Absence

Students on a leave of absence, just like active/registered students, are expected to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct.
The Registrar’s Office calculation of graduate-year (G-Year) does not stop while the student is on a leave of absence. Students may be eligible to request a G-Year adjustment through their academic program administrator or graduate program coordinator.
Students on a leave of absence are not charged tuition. Students on leave will be charged rent if they are residing in Harvard University Housing.
Harvard Griffin GSAS grants to cover such fees are ordinarily not available to students on leave.
If instructed by the Harvard Griffin GSAS dean of students or designee, a student on leave must remain away from the campus and may not participate in any University activities. Such students will not be eligible to reside in Harvard housing.
Students on leave may not reside in Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls. Current residents must notify the Office of Residential Life within five days of being approved for or placed on a leave of absence.
Repayment of educational loans cannot be deferred while on leave unless the student is registered at another school. Existing student loans may go into loan repayment during leave.
Students on a voluntary leave of absence in good standing may apply for and receive a degree.
Students who need to take a leave of absence during the period after final exams for the current term but before the first day of classes for the next term should consult with the Office of Academic Programs.

Health Insurance and Optional Dental Plan

The date a student goes on leave will affect the student's health insurance through Harvard as outlined in the HUHS Leave of Absence/Withdrawal policy.

The optional dental plan will not end automatically when you go on leave. Please review the Student Health Program policy on dental plan cancellation and contact Member Services if you have questions.