To qualify for an approved leave of absence (LOA):

• The school must have a formal written policy regarding leaves of absence requiring that all requests for leaves of absence be submitted in writing and include the reason for the student’s request.
• The student must request, and the school must approve, the LOA in accord with the school’s policy.
• There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the LOA. This condition is specified to make clear that a school may not grant a student an LOA merely to delay the return of unearned Title IV funds.
• The school may not assess the student any additional institutional charges, the student’s need may not increase, and, therefore, the student is not eligible for any additional Title IV aid. The school may grant a full tuition credit toward the course the student chooses to reenter as a way to comply with this requirement that the student not be assessed any additional charges upon return from the leave.
• The LOA, together with any additional leaves of absence, must not exceed a total of 180 days in a 12-month period.

If the student has a Title IV loan, the school must explain that prior to granting the LOA, the effects that their failure to return from an LOA may have on the loan repayment terms, including the expiration of the grace period. A student granted an LOA that meets the criteria in this section is not considered to have withdrawn

Leaves of absence versus the grade of incomplete

At term-based schools, students who are unable to complete the requirements of an individual course are often assigned the grade of incomplete (I). Students are usually expected to complete the required work within a reasonable time to receive credit and a passing grade. If a student is assigned an incomplete status for one or several courses but continues to attend other courses, the student is not considered to have withdrawn. A student who is awarded the grade of incomplete in all of his or her classes is not considered a student on an approved LOA unless the LOA meets the criteria in this section.

For more information, email UMB's Office of the Registrar at registrar@umaryland.edu.

There are two instances of Leave of Absences (LOA): Title IV and UMB School approved. Title IV LOA can only be for Military or medical reasons. For more information, please review this PDF.

Leaves of absence versus the grade of incomplete

At term-based schools, students who are unable to complete the requirements of an individual course are often assigned the grade of incomplete (I). Students are usually expected to complete the required work within a reasonable time to receive credit and a passing grade. If a student is assigned an incomplete status for one or several courses but continues to attend other courses, the student is not considered to have withdrawn. A student who is awarded the grade of incomplete in all of his or her classes is not considered a student on an approved LOA unless the LOA meets the criteria in this section.

Students who meet the following requirements will be able to maintain their SHIP, in the event of a leave of absence. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Students must be currently enrolled in the UMB Student Health Insurance Plan.
• Students must have been previously insured under the SHIP for at least one year prior to the request for a Medical Leave of Absence.
• Students must provide a copy of the leave of absence verification form signed by a dean or an advisor.
• Students intend to return to the University and remain a degree-seeking candidate.

For more information, visit the SHIP webpage.

• Leave of Absence  
• Withdrawal and Refund of Fees

• Revised NIH Parental Leave Policy for Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards  
• GS Emergency Fund 
• Pregnant Worker Declaration
• Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, and Incomplete Grades 

• Family Leave Policy for MD Students
• Resources for Students with Children

• Please view the leave policy for all students (not specific to parents) in the School's Student Handbook

• Excused Leave of Absence Policy
• Student Progression Policy ("Incomplete" Grading)

• School of Social Work Parent Alliance (Student Group)
• Student Handbook (including information about Leave of Absence and Withdrawal)
• Request for Leave of Absence
• Request for Grade of "I" Incomplete
• Withdrawal from the School of Social Work

• Parents Attending Law School (PALS Student Group)
• Voluntary Withdrawals & Leaves of Absence
• Incomplete Grades