1.13 Leave of Absence
Students may request a leave of absence in the circumstance below:
A student has completed at least the first semester but needs to take time off from school for a semester or more.
Such requests must be submitted, in writing, to the Academic Dean. A student will not be regarded as having been granted a leave of absence unless their written request is approved, in writing, by the Academic Dean. A leave of absence may be granted for up to one year. If a student is unable to return within that period, the student must request an extension of the leave of absence in writing.
Students who withdraw during their first semester of law school are not eligible for a leave of absence. If the circumstances surrounding their decision to leave and the details of the application would have made them eligible for an admission deferment, such students may be eligible for re-admission in the following or a later semester. In these cases, students must make a written request seeking re- admission. These students will be notified, in writing, of the requirements for re-admission consideration. If the student meets these requirements, re-admission decisions in these cases will be made jointly by the Dean of Admissions and the Academic Dean. The student will be notified, in writing, of the outcome of this process and, if re-admission is granted, of the terms and conditions of re-admission. If re-admission is not granted through this process, the student is free to re-apply to the Law School for admission through the regular admissions process.
If a student officially withdraws during the course of a semester, grades of Withdrawal (W) appear on the transcript for courses in which the student was enrolled. A student who is granted a leave of absence and wishes to return to the Law School must submit a Re-entry Application to the Office of Registration and Student Records Management, along with a $20 re-entry fee and a $100 seat deposit, no later than 90 days prior to the start of the semester for which they are re-entering. Students should make an appointment to meet with the Academic Dean before re-entering.
Transcripts will indicate any semesters for which a student was granted a leave of absence.
Pregnancy Policy
CUNY School of Law does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. Absences due to medical conditions relating to pregnancy will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s doctor, and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work. Students needing assistance can seek accommodations from the Office of Student Affairs, suite 5/110, tel. 718-340-4207 or the Title IX Coordinator, Michael Valente, room 4/321, tel. 718-340-4285.
Students are strongly advised to consult the Office of Academic Affairs at (718) 340-4370, to assess the effect of any leave on academic attendance requirements provided in Standard 304 of the ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for Approval of Law Schools and Section 520.3 of the New York Court of Appeals Rules on Law Study.