Once the student stops registering, a grace period for repaying the loan begins. If the leave period is longer than the grace period, then the student will have to begin repaying the loan while on leave of absence. Prior to taking a leave, Perkins and University Long Term Loan borrowers should arrange to have an exit interview with the Bursar's Office. Students on leave for a given term may not fulfill any official department or University requirements during that term. For example, they may not take qualifying exams or the University oral exam.
Leaves never delay candidacy expiration or master's program expiration.
Departments may set their own policies about whether leave periods are counted against the time allowed for meeting departmental degree progress milestones. It is important to clearly understand the effect of the potential leave on expectations for degree progress. The leave of absence must be approved by the Chair or director of graduate studies of the student's major department and, if the student is in the United States on a visa, by the Bechtel International Center. The leave petition must be received in advance of the student's departure and no later than the end of the first term for which the leave is requested. Students who fail to request a leave by the end of the first term will be required to apply for reinstatement.