Attendance as used here is defined as student physical presence and active engagement in scheduled class sessions and class-related activities.

Any matriculated University of Reston student who has successfully completed at least one full semester in their academic degree programs is eligible to request a leave of absence for the upcoming semester from the University. Under normal (i.e. non-emergency) circumstances, all requests must be made in writing prior to the start of the semester for which the leave of absence is desired. If granted, the leave will be approved for one (1) semester initially with only one (1) other period of approved absence allowed. This latter stipulation is made as the University expects that all students granted leaves of absence from the school will return to continue their studies no later than two (2) semesters after they were temporarily halted.

Prior to the end of the initial approved period of absence, a student may pursue one of the following courses of action:

  1. Re-enroll back into the University and their respective program of study (without having to submit a new application for admission)
  2. Request an additional and final period of approved absence (i.e. the last possible leave of absence), or
  3. Formally withdraw from the University. Any student who does not re-enroll and return to their studies at the end of the second (i.e. final) leave of absence will be withdrawn from the university and will be required to submit a new admissions application before being able to continue studying at the University of Reston.

Any international student enrolled at the University of Reston who is not a US citizen or permanent resident should note that the US Government may require they maintain full-time student status in order for them to legally keep their visa. Therefore, all international students should first consult with the appropriate University offices and staff in order to determine their eligibility or lack thereof for taking a leave of absence from the school.

Number of leaves of absence.

Student requests for leaves of absence from the University of Reston will be approved for one (1) semester initially with only one (1) other period of approved absence allowed. This latter stipulation is made as the University expects that all students granted leaves of absence from the school will return to continue their studies no later than two (2) semesters after they were temporarily halted.