A student who completes the first year of law school may petition the Assistant Dean of Students for a leave of absence. This petition must be in writing and set forth the circumstances of the request and the length of leave desired. Approval is generally not given for more than one year, and the approval may be conditional. A petition for a leave of absence will not be considered during an examination period.
It will be the student's responsibility to meet the conditions of their leave. The student must submit a letter to the Assistant Dean of Students at least two months before the end of leave or, when otherwise requested, indicating their intention to return to the school. If the student fails to submit a letter or goes beyond the time of leave granted, the student will not be eligible to return automatically. The student must petition for readmission. In addition, the student must complete the University Student Resignation Form if they preregistered for the term the leave has been granted.
Leaves of absence are not available to students during their first year. A student who cannot complete the first year must notify the Law School Registrar and file a University Student Resignation Form with the Office of Student Appeals (see item 2 for resignation procedure under change of status) and must go through the admissions process again if he or she wishes to return to the school.