What are the typical motivations for Personal Leave?
Academic leaves of absence are related to a student's degree studies and might include taking time off due to Option uncertainty or unique academic opportunities outside Caltech.
A student has completed all degree requirements and has been approved for a twelve-term waiver.
The guidelines regarding the four-year (i.e. twelve-term) residential requirement waiver may be viewed on the Undergraduate Deans' site.
Financial leaves of absence are typically related to a student's inability to pay tuition at Caltech. Situations that are considered a financial leave include: changes in financial aid awards or an outstanding collections balance that will not be resolved before the next semester begins.
Military service leaves of absence are related to a student's obligation for active duty in the military: a call to active duty for any branch of the U.S. military forces, or mandatory conscription service as a citizen of another country.
Personal or family leaves of absence are related to various individual interests, concerns, or responsibilities: managing a family crisis, personal travel, or participation in a non-academic program.
Professional opportunity leaves of absence are related to unique prospects for students to supplement their studies with practical experience.
Religious mission leaves of absence are related to a student's full-time service in a church ministry or other religious-affiliated cause, usually away from Los Angeles.
Leaves will not be granted retroactively and must be filedby the last day of classesof the term. Students should review what Caltech resources they may/may not retain while on leave.
Conflict of commitment while on leave
While on personal leave, undergraduate students should not accept employment, start or run a business, or engage in any activity inside or outside of the Institute that creates a conflict of commitment with their full‐time, degree‐seeking status. To help ensure adherence to this requirement, the Undergraduate Deans' Office may ask students seeking personal leave to disclose all external funding (including fellowships and awards) or employment (part or full time) intended to support any outside activities while on leave, and to consult with staff about research compliance.
Students who elect to take a personal leave while involved in pending conduct processes will be expected to participate in the pending conduct process until its completion. However, the Deans' Office may excuse students from participation while on personal leave if extenuating circumstances justify the pause.
How and when do I Indicate I want to return from Personal Leave?
A petition to return from a personal leave should be submitted at least six (6) weeks before the first day of the term for which the student intends to return. Return from a personal leave is subject to the approval of the Deans' Office.
