Leaves of Absence
Summary
You may request a leave of absence for health, parental, or personal reasons. A leave pauses your student status, with the opportunity to return to your program at a set time.
- For health reasons, medical or mental health, request a health leave, available for up to a maximum of four years.
- Leave of absence may be requested for personal reasons other than health and parental accommodation for up to 12 months and renewable for a maximum of four years.
- Students on a leave of absence are not eligible to receive financial aid or funding while away.
- Maternity and paternity accommodations (parental accommodation), although not technically a leave, offers six weeks of paid accommodation (eight weeks for the birth mother for a cesarean section delivery) OR up to two semesters of reduced load status depending on your circumstances. To initiate the parental accommodation, complete and return the Parental Accommodation Request form.
In Depth
Comparison of Different Statuses
| Question/Topic | Health Leave | Personal Leave | Maternity/Paternity Accommodation* |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to initiate process | After the student states intent to take a health leave of absence, the Health Leaves Coordinator makes the recommendation to the Graduate School. (healthleaves@cornell.edu) | Student completes the Leave of Absence form and submits to the Graduate School. | Student completes the Accommodation Request form, gathers necessary signatures and documentation and submits the form to the Graduate School. |
| Length of leave | Duration of health leave will depend upon the time the student needs for treatment and/or recovery and the resolution of academic conditions determined by the Graduate School. Up to 12 months with annual renewal possible for a total of four years. | Up to 12 months with annual renewal possible for a total of four years. | Six weeks of paid accommodation (eight weeks for the birth mother for a cesarean section delivery) OR up to two semesters of reduced academic load status. |
| Time to degree | Time away does not count toward time to degree. | Time away does not count toward time to degree. | Time on accommodation does not count toward time to degree. |
| Is financial support maintained? | Original offer of financial support at time of admission is continued when you return if you are in good academic standing. | Original offer of financial support at time of admission is not guaranteed when you return. | Yes, the six or eight-weeks of accommodation is paid. Reduced academic load status is unpaid. |
| Does health insurance continue? | Students should review their options with Student Health Benefits | Students should review their options with Student Health Benefits | Yes. |
| Access to Cornell facilities and personnel | Students do not have access to Cornell facilities or personnel. | Students do not have access to Cornell facilities or personnel. | Students maintain access to all Cornell facilities and personnel. |
| Learn more | Read health leave policy. Contact Health Leaves Coordinator (healthleaves@cornell.edu). Contact Janna Lamey (janna.lamey@cornell.edu), the senior assistant dean for graduate student life. | Read personal leave policy. Contact Graduate School Student Services (gradstudserv@cornell.edu) or Janna Lamey (janna.lamey@cornell.edu), the senior assistant dean for graduate student life. | Read parental accommodation policy . Contact Janna Lamey (janna.lamey@cornell.edu), the senior assistant dean for graduate student life. |
*Note that the parental accommodation is not considered to be a leave of absence
Student Health Plan (SHP) While on Leave of Absence
Please refer to SHP While on Leave of Absence for more details.
International Student Considerations
If you are not an American citizen or permanent resident and hold a nonimmigrant visa, you must talk to a representative in International Services before requesting a leave of absence. International students should contact the Graduate Student Services Office and International Services for information on maintaining visa eligibility for reentry.
Timing of Personal Leaves
Under university policy, personal leave of absences typically become effective upon conclusion of the current term. Please refer to the academic calendar for the term end dates.
Students who wish to request a leave of absence beginning on different dates, including dates within an academic term, are required to consult with the Graduate School Registrar (grad_registrar@cornell.edu) in advance. If approved, non-standard leave dates may result in prorated tuition charges, adjustment of fellowship awards, and changes to assistantship eligibility.
Related
- Graduate and Professional Student Parental Accommodation, Policy 1.6
- Voluntary Leave of Absence for Students, Policy 7.1
- Bursar tuition proration schedule
Contact
Ryan Sexton
Graduate School Registrar
grad_registrar@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-254-4561