Upon satisfactory completion of one year in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, a leave of absence may be requested in writing. Requests must be made by December 15 for leaves beginning in January, and by July 15 for leaves beginning in September.

Due to spatial constraints, students are not guaranteed an authorized personal leave of absence, and priority will be given to medical leaves. An approved leave of absence assures readmission to the School within one year. Leaves of absence are granted by the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs to students in good academic standing.

There are several potential ramifications that may result from temporarily or permanently leaving the University, including the assumption of financial responsibility, the possible condition of meeting academic and readmission requirements, changes to access to School and University services, and more. Students should fill out the GSAPP LOA/ withdrawal form below, and the GSAPP Academic and Student Affairs in 400 Avery Hall will be in touch to discuss the applicable policies, procedures, requirements and/or ramifications surrounding their need to leave school. Students should also contact GSAPP Academic and Student Affairs Office with additional questions: studentaffairs@arch.columbia.edu.

In an effort to ensure ease of access and consistency in University processes, the University has added a procedure which students must follow to request university approval for a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal. This includes a change in how students begin the Official Withdrawal Process. Not altered is the requirement to contact the GSAPP Academic and Student Affairs Office to discuss the applicable policies, procedures, requirements, and/or ramifications surrounding your submitted request.

To begin the University Official Withdrawal Process visit the Withdraw or Request a Leave of Absence webpage.

After reviewing the information provided, navigate to the Submit Your Withdrawal or Leave of Absence Notification Request portion of the page and select the “Click Here” button to proceed.

The GSAPP Academic and Student Affairs Office will be notified of your submission.

Return to GSAPP after an authorized leave of absence requires notification (by letter) to the Office of Academic and Student Affairs by July 1 for the fall term and by November 15 for the spring term. Failure to give written notice on or before these dates will result in forfeiture of a place in the studio sequence.

Students who absent themselves without obtaining an approved leave of absence must apply for readmission to the School. This formal application must be made to the Office of Admissions by the specified deadlines for admission. Readmission is not guaranteed. Students may be required to fulfill new degree requirements if they differ from those of the student’s first admission.

Any student who is a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or of a state-organized militia and is called or ordered to active duty will be granted a military leave of absence for the period of active duty and one year thereafter. Upon return from a military leave of absence, the student will be restored to the educational status attained prior to being called or ordered to such duty without loss of academic credits earned, scholarships or grants awarded, or tuition or other fees paid prior to the commencement of active duty. The University will credit any tuition or fees paid for the period of the military leave of absence to the next enrollment period or will refund the tuition and fees paid to the student at the student’s option.

Students in need of a military leave of absence should contact the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs.

Withdraw or Request a Leave of Absence
This includes the direct link to complete the Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Notification Request Form as a student or administrator.

Withdrawal vs. Leave of Absence
This is a student reference page.

Financial Implications of Leaving School
This is a student reference page.

Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Notification Request Assistance
This is a technical assistance page for use by students and administrators while completing the Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Notification Request Form.

Students are responsible for understanding the implications of a Leave of Absence for housing, financial aid, health insurance, and progress toward the degree.

Please also see the following University policies:

• Columbia University Voluntary Leave of Absence Policy

• Columbia University Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy

• Columbia University Military Leave of Absence Policy