Filing for Leave
Filing a leave of absence for undergraduates is primarily a declaration process – that is, there is not an approval or denial given. Please note that this is not the case for graduate students at USC. Graduate students must apply for a leave of absence within the initial add/drop period of the term that the leave will begin. Undergraduate students simply inform the University and all necessary departments regarding their intended leave. However, extended leaves may impact the availability of academic programs and courses.
Types of Leaves
When a student submits a Leave of Absence Form, they must select a reason for the leave. Although multiple factors may contribute to the need to take a leave of absence, students are asked to select just one option for the primary reason the leave is being taken.
Academic
Academic leaves of absence are related to a student’s degree studies. Situations that are considered an academic leave include: taking time off due to major uncertainty, non-USC study abroad programs, or other unique academic opportunities outside USC. Please note that students enrolled in a USC-affiliated study abroad program are considered currently enrolled at USC and do not require a leave of absence.
Financial
Financial leaves of absence are typically related to a student’s ability to pay tuition at USC. Situations that are considered a financial leave include: changes in financial aid awards or an outstanding collections balance that will not be resolved before the next semester begins.
Foreign Aid Service
Foreign aid service leaves of absence are related to a student’s participation in a foreign assistance program sponsored by the U.S. Government. Situations that are considered a foreign aid service leave include: work with the Peace Corps or USAID.
Military Service
Military service leaves of absence are related to a student’s obligation for active duty in the military. Situations that are considered a military leave include: call to active duty for any branch of the U.S. military forces, or mandatory conscription service as a citizen of another country. Additional resources through the USC Registrar and Veterans Certification Office are available for military activation that may occur after registration deadlines for a given term.
Personal / Family
Personal or family leaves of absence are related to various individual interests, concerns, or responsibilities. Situations that are considered a personal or family leave include: attending to a family crisis such as caring for a sick family member, personal travel, and participation in a non-academic program.
Professional Opportunity
Professional opportunity leaves of absence are related to unique prospects for students to supplement their studies with practical experience, usually away from Los Angeles. Situations that are considered a professional opportunity leave include: selective internship programs (such as the Disney College Program), participation in competitive sports (such as Olympic training or the NFL draft), and opportunities in the performing arts.
Religious Mission
Religious mission leaves of absence are related to a student’s full-time service in a church ministry or other religious-affiliated cause, usually away from Los Angeles. A religious mission leave may be international or domestic.
*Students may also attribute their leave of absence to the COVID-19 pandemic during the declaration process. However, students whose primary concerns relate to academic, financial, health, personal or family well-being should still select that leave type.
Is a Leave Right for Me?
In general, USC students are not allowed to take courses outside of USC in the Fall or Spring terms. A leave of absence does not exempt students from the residence requirement, nor does it automatically grant permission to transfer work from another college or university to USC. Students are discouraged from planning to study at all while on a leave of absence. In rare circumstances, a student may consult with their academic advisor for a Request for Exception to Residence. These requests require advance departmental approval.
Declaring a Leave of Absence is also not necessary when a student intends to complete the final requirements for the degree outside of USC and does not plan to register for any additional courses at USC in future.
Steps for Withdrawl
Take these action steps to declare a leave of absence.
Financial Aid
Contact FAO before a leave and before returning.
Returning To USC
Important information to review before you return to the University.