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Leave of Absence
Continuous enrollment between admission and the completion of degree work is the norm. In some cases, however, circumstances may compel a student to interrupt their studies temporarily. The Jones Graduate School of Business may grant students a leave of absence for up to four quadmesters (one year). Leaves of absence may only be requested twice during the program. A leave of absence does not suspend or alter the 5-year time limit during which a student must earn the MBA.
Students should request to be approved for leave of absence (LOA) prior to the first day of class. Requests will be reviewed by the MBA program and the student will be notified of approval or non-approval. Students who are not in good academic standing (GPA below 3.0) are considered to be on “provisional LOA” and must petition the Academic Standards Committee to return to the program, prior to resuming their enrollment. Additionally, students who do not return from LOA within one year are also required to petition the Academic Standards Committee to return.
A leave of absence requested after the first day of class (“late LOA”) will only be approved in verified extreme or exceptional personal circumstances. Late LOAs will result in W on transcript and will be subject to the tuition refund schedule as of the request date. Additionally, a student requesting a late LOA should expect to be on leave the following quadmester as well. Students requiring a leave of absence for medical reasons should review the Medical Leave of Absence policy for all graduate students.
A student who does not qualify for a late LOA may withdraw from the university at any point (subject to the tuition refund schedule on the academic calendar).
In order to request a leave, a student must schedule a meeting with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) at their earliest convenience. If they wish to proceed with the LOA, they must submit this form within two days of their meeting. The LOA is processed as of the date the form is submitted, which will affect tuition refund eligibility.
LOA specifications
May be taken at anytime and may not exceed one year (4 quadmesters) in length.
Coincides with the University Withdrawal deadline regarding specific tuition refund.
A student may return prior to their original intended return date or may extend, as long as they do not exceed 1 year from LOA start.
Students are granted a maximum of two LOAs during their program tenure.
Program requirements must be completed within five years of a student's first quadmester.
If a student fails to return from their LOA, they will be put on administrative withdrawal and must appeal to return to the University.
✔ DURING your Leave of Absence:
✔ DURING your Leave of Absence:
✔ Check the Rice University email once per week.
Respond within one week to any communications from University staff.
✔ Regular Communications with Student Success Advisor.
Initial conversation outlining responsibilities listed in the below Leave of Absence Checklist.
Schedule meetings with your Student Success Advisor
✔ Review account and pay any outstanding balances. Students must pay any unpaid balance prior to requesting to return from a Leave of Absence.
✔ Understand the following deadlines for return: Students who are requesting to return from a leave of absence must submit return requests prior to:
May 1 for Summer Quadmester reinstatement
August 1 for Fall Quadmester reinstatement
November 1 for Winter Quadmester reinstatement
February 1 for Spring Quadmester reinstatement
✔ 6-8 Weeks BEFORE your Return:
✔ 6-8 Weeks BEFORE your Return:
✔ Leave of Absence Return Meeting:
Discuss advising plan updates with Student Success Advisor; determine course plan upon return.
✔ Registration: Once you confirm your return date with your Student Success Advisor, you will be reinstated to the program as an active, enrolled student again and will be able to register for classes via Esther on your own.
✔ Technology Next Steps: Verify that you can log into Esther, Digital Campus and Rice Email account.
✔ Review financial aid options (if applicable): If you plan on applying for federal student aid, please fill out the FAFSA. For questions, contact Student Financial Services at JGSBFina@rice.edu or visit the Financial Aid Website.
✔ Arrange accommodations (if applicable): If you require accommodations to meet your educational needs, schedule an appointment with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) by email: adarice@rice.edu or phone: 713-348-5841.
✔ Career Development Office (CDO): Take this opportunity to engage with our Career Development Office. Set up an appointment or visit the CDO Website for more information.
✔ 2 Weeks BEFORE your Return:
✔ 2 Weeks BEFORE your Return:
✔ Purchase your textbooks: Confirm the textbook you need in the Rice Campus Store.
There are many ways to buy and/or rent textbooks, including Rice Campus Store, Amazon Prime, or other 3rd party vendors
✔ Complete Week 1 asynchronous coursework: You will gain access to your coursework on Digital Campus two weeks prior to the start of the quadmester. Complete all Week 1 coursework and readings listed in your syllabus prior to your first live session.
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