A leave of absence is available to students who are in good standing that have attended at least one term at CSUMB prior to requesting a leave. Leaves may be granted for a maximum of one year or two consecutive semesters and must be requested prior to the start of the term requesting absence. Retroactive leave requests will not be approved.

A leave of absence will be granted when the student has filed an approved request with the Office of the Registrar. The leave of absence request form, which must be approved by the student’s dean, shall specify the reasons for the leave and the duration of the leave.

An approved leave maintains continuing student status, and allows a student to retain catalog rights and eligibility to enroll for the term immediately after the expiration of leave without reapplying to the university. While on leave a student is not considered “enrolled” and is not eligible for any services from the university, except for MyCSUMB and email account access. The student will be informed of registration information and deadlines for the term he/she is to return to CSU Monterey Bay. Being on an approved leave of absence will not defer your student loans. Loans can only be deferred by continuous enrollment.

A student granted a leave of absence has a commitment from the university to be reinstated in good standing.  Upon return from the leave, the student will continue in the same program that the student had prior to the leave, and retains the right to elect requirements in effect at the time of entrance or reentrance into the curriculum.

Failure to return from leave as specified in the approved petition will be considered withdrawal from the university. Under such circumstances, re-enrollment will require a full application for readmission under the same circumstances as any new or returning applicant including enrollment in the curriculum in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

You must request that official transcripts be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar if you attended another college or university while on leave.

Special note for international (visa) students:

International students are reminded that immigration laws govern their visas.  International students should always consult with the International Programs manager before attempting a leave of absence.