Leaves of Absence and Withdrawals

Voluntary Leaves of Absences and Voluntary Withdrawals

If a student is currently unable to continue the study of law, the Assistant Dean for Academic Services, Dean of Students or an Associate Dean may grant the student a Leave of Absence for up to one year. A student granted a leave of absence is entitled to return to the Law School at the end of the term of the leave without reapplying for admission, subject to the requirements and process set forth in the Voluntary Leave of Absence/Voluntary Withdrawal Policy. A Leave of Absence will be granted to a first-year student only under extraordinary circumstances.

A student who wishes to withdraw from the Law School must file a written request to do so and obtain permission from the Assistant Dean for Academic Services, Dean of Students or an Associate Dean. No student may withdraw after the examination period begins or while consideration of the student's academic standing is pending.

The specific process and form necessary for requesting a voluntary leave of absence or voluntary withdrawal are more fully described in the Voluntary Leave of Absence/Voluntary Withdrawal Process, contained within this publication and on the Law School’s website and Portal.

Involuntary Leave of Absence

The Law School may place a student on an Involuntary Leave of Absence in certain circumstances. The process for an Involuntary Leave of Absence is more fully described in the section entitled, “Involuntary Leave of Absence” within this publication and on the Law School’s website.

Failure to Return at Conclusion of Leave of Absence

Students who fail to enroll at the conclusion of a Leave of Absence will be withdrawn from the Law School. Those in this situation who wish to return to the Law School must apply for readmission in accordance with the Readmissions Process outlined in the Law School Rules and Regulations.

Failure to File Previous Education Transcript(s)

Transcripts verifying all academic credits undertaken and degree(s) conferred of a student enrolled in the Law School must be filed with the Law School no later than October 15 of the student’s first year. Students who fail to file transcripts by this deadline will be withdrawn from the Law School and will be responsible for any tuition charges under the University's tuition forfeiture policy.