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Leave of Absence

What is a Leave of Absence?

A Leave of Absence (LoA) allows an active student to interrupt enrollment without having to apply for re-enrollment and without changing the requirements of their degree program. A degree-seeking student who does not register for consecutive semesters and is not on a Leave of Absence must apply for re-enrollment and will be subject to the newest degree requirements.

 

What should I know about taking a Leave of Absence?

Deadline to file

A Leave of Absence may be filed on or before October 1 for a fall term or March 1 for a spring term. 

Enrolling at another college

Courses taken at other colleges or universities during the Leave of Absence period, or taken between two consecutive Leave of Absence semesters, may not be used for transfer credit at Temple University.

Newly admitted students

Leave of Absence is only available to those who have attended at least one term of courses at Temple University. If you are a new student who wishes to defer enrolling in your first semester, please contact the Office of Admissions to discuss your options.

International students

International students who seek a Leave of Absence must obtain additional advising from International Student and Scholar Services.

Fly in 4 participants

Fly in 4 participants must meet with an advisor to discuss potential effects of the Leave of Absence on time to degree and their eligibility for the Fly in 4 program.

Loans, Housing, and Enrollment

Other restrictions you should be aware of are:

  • You are NOT eligible for financial aid disbursements, including work study funds, during the Leave of Absence terms. You will be reported to lenders and servicing agencies as "not enrolled" and should contact your lender for information on possible repayment requirements.
  • Enrollment verification forms will NOT be available for the terms you are on a Leave of Absence.
  • Your student employment or work-study will be terminated for the terms you are on a Leave of Absence.
  • You will NOT have access to Student Health Services and Tuttleman Counseling during the terms you are on a Leave of Absence.
  • On-Campus Housing will not be available to you while on a Leave of Absence.
  • You may become ineligble for programs requiring continuous enrollment or academic progress.

 

While on a Leave of Absence, what am I eligible for?

  • Retention of the academic program requirements in place at the time of your matriculation at Temple, including the requirements in place at the time you declared your program, concentration, minor and/or certificate.
  • Temple e-mail access.
  • Priority registration for the semester of return.
  • Library access and borrowing privileges.

 

How do I apply for a Leave of Absence?

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students can access the Leave of Absence application in TUportal by following the steps below.

  1. Using your TUportal login, sign into the Leave of Absence app to apply for a Leave of Absence.
  2. Follow the prompts to complete the Leave of Absence request.
  3. Upon successful submission, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions for returning to Temple at the conclusion of your leave.

Professional students (dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, podiatric medicine) cannot presently use the Leave of Absence app and should contact their program coordinator.

 

Who should I contact for assistance?

You may discuss your intention for a Leave of Absence with your academic advisor or program coordinator.  

For policy details, please visit the Bulletin.