Leave of Absence
What is a Leave of Absence (LOA)?
A leave of absence (LOA) is an interruption of enrollment during the fall or spring semester. A leave is requested for compelling reasons and requires approval. Graduate students must submit a request to take a leave of absence, regardless of eligibility, as there may be alternative options depending on the circumstances.
Students need to submit a request first before receiving individualized feedback. By the end of the review process, students will be aware of their available options regardless of whether their Leave of Absence (LOA) request is approved or denied.
How to Submit an LOA
All students who do not plan to enroll must submit a Leave of Absence Request. Students who are not eligible for a leave may have other options available based on their circumstances.
Domestic Students: Submit your completed LOA request in myViterbi ->Leave of Absence Request.
International students: Submit two separate Leave of Absence Requests, one for visa purposes and the other for academic purposes. Students can submit both requests in any order.
- Consult with OIS before declaring a leave of absence. After speaking with them, submit the OIS leave of absence request.
- Submit the academic LOA request on myViterbi ->Leave of Absence Request.
After the review is complete, all students will receive a comment on their myViterbi request notifying them of the decision, the reason for approval or denial, and any next steps. Students can view these details under Alerts, Notes, and Tasks in Advise USC.
Optional: In addition to the directions above, all students have the option to explore the criteria for taking a Health Leave of Absence through Campus Support and Intervention (CSI). If a student would like to get referred, please make a note in the LOA request on myViterbi.
Eligibility
Below is the list of eligibility requirements. Please note that graduate students must submit a leave of absence request, regardless of eligibility, as other options may be available.
- Must complete at least one semester at USC with a finalized grade.
- New incoming students starting their first semester are not eligible for an LOA. Instead, deferring to a different start term may be the alternative option. Please fill out the Viterbi Graduate Admissions Deferral Request Form.
- Students who received all W, IN, or MG during their first semester do not have a GPA to reference. Submit your request for a review.
- GPA needs to be 3.0 or above.
- Students with a GPA below 3.0 should submit an LOA and simultaneously explore the criteria for taking a Health Leave of Absence through Campus Support and Intervention (CSI). Once a health leave is approved, a retroactive leave of absence will be added to your record.
- Students denied an LOA due to a GPA below 3.0 who are ineligible for a Health Leave through CSI should contact their academic advisor to discuss next steps.
- LOA can only be entered for requests submitted by the add/drop deadline of the spring and fall semesters.
- Late submissions will automatically be denied. Health Leave of Absences approved by Campus Support and Intervention (CSI) will receive a retroactive leave of absence added to a student’s record.
- Graduate students may take up to 4 leaves of absence before being readmitted to their respective programs.
- Must have fewer than 4 leaves, whether approved or unapproved leaves.
Progressive Degree Program Students (PDP)
PDP students do not abide by the continuous enrollment policy that traditional graduate students follow; however, they must still submit a Leave of Absence Request to ensure they will meet the 12-semester timeline.
PDP students who are still pursuing their bachelor’s degree must submit an undergraduate leave of absence through Experience USC. Visit and review the USC Leave of Absence page for undergraduate students. For any questions or issues with declaring the Leave of Absence on Experience USC, contact your undergraduate advisor.
PDP students who have completed their undergraduate degree and are solely pursuing their master’s program must submit their request on myViterbi. In order to receive an approved LOA Request, students must contact their master’s academic advisor to request either (1) an advising note on Advise USC confirming that completing the program within the designated time limit is still possible with the requested LOAs, or (2) an updated Course Plan with the LOA added in the desired semester(s).
Steps to Return
Return Checklist:
- Fill out the Leave of Absence Public Form linked there.
- Check account and portal access
- Create a Viterbi IT for any technical issues on myViterbi
- Register for classes on WebReg and resolve restrictions
- Reach out to the Registrar’s Office on askUSC if you cannot register for classes due to a missing registration appointment
- Check your department website for directions on d-clearance, prerequisite waivers, and other department requests.
- Resolve holds placed on your account by following the directions on the error message or visiting Experience USC > My Academics > Holds/Restrictions.
- International students: Review OIS Leave of Absence website for their Return to USC process.
Students returning from leave of absence can return as early as the registration appointment times, as per the academic calendar. It is recommended to begin the return process at least 2 months before the first day of class, so there is enough time to sort out pending registration items with the appropriate offices. Students are responsible for any holds or restrictions on their accounts, which can cause registration delays and late fees.