Student Status
Graduate Students may apply for the following student statuses. A change in your registered student status can have implications on receiving funding from the department, university, employment, and UC Health insurance.
**Note: Students may have additional leave options available to them related to their employment. Questions about leaves can be directed to psyga@ucsc.edu. Students are strongly encouraged to reach out to Psychology Advising if they are seriously considering taking a leave of any kind.
Leave of Absence
All students are encouraged to maintain continuous registration in order to make steady progress toward their degree. A Leave of Absence is granted for sound educational reasons, health reasons, financial problems, or family responsibilities and is valid for no more than one year, but may be extended if there is sufficient justification. See the Graduate Advising Team for more information.
Form for the Request for Leave of Absence should be completed by the graduate student (signed by student and faculty advisor) and submitted to the Graduate Advising Team. They will request the remaining signatures and submit it to the Graduate Division for approval.
Health Insurance under a LOA
UCSC health insurance coverage will end the day prior to the official start of the quarter. Students are not automatically enrolled in health insurance during the quarter of their LOA. If the student wants to stay on the UCSC health insurance, they will need to voluntarily enroll. Information on voluntary enrollment is available here (under UC Ship/CruzCare Enrollment & Cancellation). Students are encouraged to speak with the Graduate Advising Team, who can assist with navigating the necessary requirements and general questions.
In-Absentia
Students whose research or study requires that they remain outside the State of California for an entire quarter may qualify for a reduction of the University Registration and Education Fees and exemption from all local campus fees. In-absentia students pay 15% of the Registration Fee and Educational Fee. Non-residents of California must pay full non-resident tuition when applicable. See the graduate program coordinator for more information.
The Application for In-Absentia Status should be completed by the graduate student (signed by student and faculty advisor) and submitted to the graduate program coordinator. The Graduate Advising Team will request the remaining signatures and submit to the Graduate Division for approval.
Residency (CA Residency for out-of-state students)
After one year, non-resident students (out-of-state students) should apply to become residents. There are specific requirements that must be met to become a resident, including physically residing in the state of California for a full year. See the Graduate Program Coordinator for more details about these requirements. Students who are not eligible to, or choose not to, become California residents will be responsible for paying the out-of-state tuition supplement for all quarters after their first year. Foreign students are not eligible to become California residents.