Graduate Leave of Absence and Adjunct Enrollment

Graduate students are required to maintain continuous enrollment from the semester of admission until the semester of graduation. This can be achieved by enrolling in state-support coursework, or by enrolling in GRST 899 Adjunct Enrollment through Professional & Continuing Education. See our FAQ for more information.

If a student has a serious and compelling circumstance, they may be eligible to request a Graduate Leave of Absence for up to two semesters. A Leave of Absence (LOA) is for individuals who have experienced a serious life event that has temporarily derailed their ability to continue progress toward their degree. LOAs are available to graduate students who are in good academic standing at Chico State and is limited to a maximum of two semesters.

For more information on Continuous Enrollment or the Graduate Leave of Absence Policy, please review the University Catalog. 

• Differences between Adjunct Enrollment and a Leave of Absence
• Graduate Leave of Absence Eligibility and Request
• Credential and Non-Master's Program Postbaccalaureate Students Leave of Absence Eligibility and Request
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Differences Between Adjunct Enrollment and a Leave of Absence:

Adjunct Enrollment allows students to continue progress toward their degree and maintain continuing student status by enrolling in GRST 899 and paying $215/semester. These student privileges are maintained:

• Ability to progress on your studies and work with your graduate advisor(s), including field/lab work, data collection, writing, etc.
• Access to campus resources, including the library, ITSS, faculty advisors, the Graduate Research & Writing Coordinator, computer labs, and Associated Students events and services.
• Student Health Services and WREC privileges are available to adjunct students for an additional fee.
• Adjunct enrolled students may be eligible for student employment.

Leave of Absence is for individuals who have experienced a serious life event that has temporarily derailed their ability to continue progress toward their degree. There are no fees for the LOA, but some student privileges are suspended, including:

• The graduate program is on hold until the end of the approved leave.
• Faculty are not expected to work with students who are on an LOA.
• Access to campus services as a student is suspended, including the library, ITSS, the WREC, AS events, and Student Health Service.

Graduate Leave of Absence Eligibility

Students may request a leave only if they have serious and compelling circumstances, such as:

• Medical conditions (physical or mental health)
• Family emergencies
• Other situations beyond their control that significantly impact their ability to engage in academic activities

Students who take a break from their program for reasons other than these do not qualify for a leave. Instead, they must remain continuously enrolled in their Graduate Program through Adjunct Enrollment.

To be eligible for a Leave of Absence, students must:

• Be in good academic standing (not on academic notice)
• Meet all academic progress requirements

While on a Leave of Absence, students cannot graduate or participate in Commencement.

To Request An LOA

Students must submit a Leave of Absence Request (PDF) to the Graduate Coordinator of their program. The request should outline the reasons for the leave and provide supporting documentation where applicable. Graduate Coordinators should be mindful of HIPAA guidelines in reviewing the health and personal information of students. Graduate Coordinators should submit the signed Leave of Absence Request form to the Office of Graduate Studies at graduatestudies@csuchico.edu or SSC 460 no later than the end of the fourth week of classes during the first semester of the leave.

Requesting an LOA does not automatically withdraw students from their classes. Students can learn more about withdrawing from courses here.

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid are required to meet with a financial aid advisor prior to taking a Leave of Absence.

International students
International students are required to meet with an advisor from International Education and Global Engagement prior to taking a Leave of Absence.

Leave of Absence (LOA) for Credential and Non-Master’s Program Postbaccalaureate Students

Credential and Non-Master’s Program Postbaccalaureate students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a maximum of one year (two semesters). To qualify, students must be in good academic standing and have been enrolled as a regular student beyond the fourth week of the previous semester.

To request a Leave of Absence, carefully review the Leave of Absence Request form and submit the form to the Office of Graduate Studies. All LOA requests must be emailed from your Chico State email address no later than the fourth week of the first semester of leave.

For more information, please contact graduatestudies@csuchico.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions