A student who wishes to take a leave of absence must submit a written request to the Graduate Chair for initial approval.  Final approval rests with the Dean of the Graduate Division.  A student who has reached general dissertation tuition status will not be granted a leave except for military service or medical reasons. The granting of a leave, except for military service, does not automatically extend the time limits for the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees, which are discussed below.  Language Examinations, the Comprehensive Examination, and the Ph.D. Preliminary Examination may not be taken while a student is on leave, nor may degrees be awarded.

A student who receives outside funding for dissertation research to be conducted elsewhere may apply to the Graduate Chair and the Dean of the Graduate Division for Dissertation Research Abroad Status.  This special status allows the student to remain registered without incurring tuition charges.