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Undergraduate Leaves of Absence

Impact of Leave on Students

Prior to leaving the university, students should consider related financial, housing, technological, and other connections to the institution. Please see Important Considerations When Leaving or Withdrawing from the University for more information.

Students who aren't eligible for any of the below leave options and who aren't enrolled for a regular semester (Fall/Spring), must apply for readmission with the Office of Admissions.

Short-term Leave (Back2UA)

Undergraduate students who have missed no more than two consecutive regular (Fall/Spring) semesters may return without applying for readmission or requesting an official Leave of Absence. To qualify for the Back2UA Program, students must be in Academic Eligible status, Academic Review status, or Academic Warning status and must have degree-seeking status.

Upon returning to the University, students may be required to meet with an academic advisor before enrolling. They will then be eligible to register with their class during priority registration and/or during open registration.

Eligible students automatically qualify for Back2UA and do not need to notify the University of their intent to return. If desired, eligible students may contact the Office of the Registrar to update their academic record with their anticipated return date.

International Student Leave

International students who return after a leave must contact Office of International Student Services to request a new immigration document and confirm their status prior to registering for classes.

Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) 

The University of Arizona understands that United States Armed Forces military orders can cause a significant life event that warrants changing academic plans. Eligible students are defined as members of the United States armed forces (including the National Guard, Reserves or Active Duty) as well as students who are spouses, domestic partners, or dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces.

Eligible students may be granted a Military Leave of Absence (MLOA) from the University for the period of active duty and up to one year after returning from active duty when the orders prevent the student from taking classes as usual. Students with the MLOA need not apply or pay for readmission. MLOA allows students to register for classes during their priority registration period prior to the term when they plan to return to campus. 

The MLOA application is available online from the Office of the Registrar. The completed application, to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar, must be accompanied by a copy of the military orders indicating the date on which the military member must report for active duty. The MLOA should be filed as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks of receiving the orders.

When orders for active duty are received after classes begin, eligible students may withdraw from all of their classes by submitting a Complete Withdrawal, in addition to filing the MLOA for subsequent terms. If students receive financial aid and/or live in a University of Arizona residence hall, they are responsible for contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid and/or Housing and Residential Life.

For assistance with the MLOA form, students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

For information on short-term active duty status, please see the Military Excused Absence Policy.

For further information about these policies contact your academic advisor or the Office of the Registrar.

Related Guidelines & Links:

Related Policies: