Taking a Leave of Absence

New York University recognizes that situations may arise when a student may want to voluntarily interrupt his or her academic studies. The University is committed to handling reasonable requests for leaves in a responsible manner. This policy may not be used in lieu of disciplinary action to address any violations of University rules, regulations, policies, or practices. A student who is granted a voluntary leave while on academic and/or disciplinary status will return to that same status.

Definition: A voluntary leave is defined as an active student status representing an approved temporary break from University studies for one or more terms, and with intent to return in a future term. During a leave, students are not enrolled in classes (at any point during the term(s) in question), but degree-seeking students maintain matriculated status.

Voluntary Personal Leave of Absence 

If a student and an advisor agree that a leave of absence is the best way to proceed given the student's situation, the adviser will assist in the withdraw from the semester and the extended time for a leave of absence. A student needs to make an appointment with their academic adviser to discuss the particular situation and review the terms of the leave of absence; please contact the Office of Student Affairs. 

A student may request a leave of absence for the Fall or Spring semester, and must make the request prior to the end of the second week of the semester the student wishes to be on leave. A student who requests a leave after that deadline or who has been out of attendance without first being granted a leave must apply for readmission. Also note that leaves are not granted retroactively for past semesters.

Leaves of absence for the Summer and January terms are only required if the January or Summer term is a requirement of your program.

A student granted a leave does not have to make a formal application for readmission as long as the student returns to the School within the agreed-upon time. Students who attend another college during the leave must petition to have the credits transferred before taking courses. Off-campus petitions are filed through the Office of Student Affairs.

Students are advised to inquire how the leave of absence may affect their scholarship and financial aid award and should contact the NYU Office of Financial Aid. If students are on probation when the leave is granted, they will return on probation. Students out of attendance who did not apply for a leave and who wish to return to the School must apply for readmission. 

Psychological or Medical Leave of Absence

If a student and a counselor or a physician at the NYU Student Health Center, 726 Broadway, agree that a psychological or medical leave of absence is the best way to proceed given the situation, the counselor or physician should make a recommendation to the Senior Director, Student Engagement, Steinhardt Student Affairs for the withdraw from the semester and extended time for a leave of absence. The student needs to complete the leave of absence through NYU Home via Albert.  Leave of Absence petitions are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.

On/about six (6) weeks prior to the first day of classes of the semester in which the student seeks to return, the student must have the counselor/therapist or physician complete a certification of readiness to return to school from a leave of absence form. The student must also schedule an appointment with a counselor/therapist or physician at the NYU Student Health Center, 726 Broadway, prior to receiving approval from the School to return.  A student granted a leave does not have to make a formal application for readmission as long as the student returns to the School  within the agreed-upon time.

Students are advised to inquire how the leave of absence may affect their scholarship and financial aid award and should contact the NYU Office of Financial Aid. If students are on probation when the leave is granted, they will return on probation. Students out of attendance who did not apply for a leave and who wish to return to the School must apply for readmission. 

To Submit Your Request for Leave of Absence:

1. Discuss leave with academic advisor.

2. Contact the Office of Student Affairs at 212-998-5065 or via email at steinhardt.studentaffairs@nyu.edu.

3. Go to your Albert Student Center.

4. Select “Request Leave of Absence” or “Request Term/Total Withdrawal” under your “Enrolled Courses.”

5. An email confirmation will be sent to your NYU email address after your request is submitted.