Leave of Absence and Reinstatement

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Students who completely withdraw from courses, or who complete a major academic semester or term but voluntarily choose not to enroll in the next major academic semester (fall/spring), will be placed in one of the following categories:

Student Requested Leave of Absence (LOA) 

If a student plans to voluntarily leave SAIC, intends to be away at least one full semester, and plans to return at any point in the future, the student needs to meet with an Academic Advisor (for undergraduate students) or Department Representative (for graduate students) and submit a Leave of Absence form. A student who completes the LOA process is eligible to re-enroll at SAIC within one (graduate students) or five (undergraduate students) years of the date that they began their Leave. Please see Undergraduate or Graduate for more information regarding the process for Leave of Absence and Return from a Leave of Absence.

Student Requested Discontinuation from SAIC

If a student plans to voluntarily leave SAIC and does not plan to return at any point in the future, the student needs to meet with an Academic Advisor (for undergraduate students) or Department Representative (for graduate students) for an exit interview, submit a Leave of Absence form, and check the appropriate box to note they will not be returning to SAIC in the future.

Administrative Leave of Absence

If a student voluntarily leaves SAIC and does not complete the Leave of Absences paperwork, they will be placed on Administrative Leave of Absence. A student on Administrative Leave of Absence must appeal for reinistatement to the Academic Review Board which, at its discretion, may grant the student's request for reinstatement.

Newly-Arrived Students

Any new student leaving before the end of the add/drop period during their first semester should contact the Admissions office for assistance. Academic Advising will also help connect such students to Admissions when appropriate.