Leave of Absence

All students who plan to be absent from SDSU during a fall or spring semester must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) request to maintain their eligibility and admission status for future terms.

Eligibility Criteria

Students are eligible to request up to four LOAs if they meet the following conditions:

  • Have completed at least one semester at SDSU.
  • Are not academically disqualified. Students on academic notice may request an LOA.
  • Are not enrolled in any courses during the semester for which the LOA is requested.
  • Have not exceeded a total of four LOAs during their academic program.

Application Process

To request an LOA:

  1. Log into my.SDSU and select the Academic Records tile.
  2. Select Student Records Forms.
  3. Select the Leave of Absence form.
  4. Complete the form with the intended term for Leave of Absence and type of leave requested.
  5. Submit form, once submitted a confirmation email will be sent.
  6. Allow 5–7 business days for processing.
  7. Students will be notified via their SDSU email once the request has been processed.

To cancel a previously submitted LOA request, complete the same form and select the Cancel Leave of Absence option.

Military LOA

SDSU follows the California State University guidance from the Chancellors Office regarding compulsory service. For more information review the Military and Veterans Programs.

Military-connected students who need to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for reasons other than compulsory service will follow the university’s standard LOA procedures.

Important Reminders

  • LOA requests must be submitted through my.SDSU.
  • Each LOA is valid for one semester. A new LOA request must be submitted for each additional semester.
  • A maximum of four LOAs can be granted. To request an exception to the max LOA policy, complete the Leave of Absence form in my.SDSU and select Exception to the maximum number of leave of absences (four) option.
  • While on an LOA, a hold will appear in my.SDSU account under the Tasks tile. This hold prevents registration for the specified term and will be removed after the end date indicated in the hold details.
  • Failure to register for classes or secure an approved LOA for a fall or spring semester may result in loss of matriculation status, requiring reapplication for admission.
  • If a student submits a petition to withdraw from all classes after the schedule adjustment deadline but before the census date, and the petition is approved, they must request a Leave of Absence. This is because all classes will be dropped from their schedule and removed from their transcript.

    If a student submits a petition to withdraw from all classes after both the schedule adjustment deadline and the census date, and the petition is approved, they do not need to request a Leave of Absence. In this case, all classes will remain on their transcript with a grade of "W."

  • While on LOA, students are able to take courses at other institutions.