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 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 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.

Health-related leaves of absence indicate that the student is requesting a leave to address personal health concerns.  Situations that are considered a health-related leave include: treatment of illness or injury (either temporary or chronic), mental health conditions, and hospitalization.  Please note that students who withdraw from all courses in a term for health-related reasons may be able to use their Tuition Refund Insurance to receive a full or partial refund for the withdrawal term. 

The University has two types of health-related leaves, a Voluntary Health Leave of Absence and a Mandated Health Leave of Absence. Each student requesting a health-related leave of absence will have access to an additional semester of insurance on the USC Student Health Insurance Plan and will be assigned a Health Leave Coordinator who will administer the leave and support the student through the administrative and logistical issues associated with a leave. 

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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 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 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 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.