We understand that after joining CBS circumstances may change, resulting in the need to suspend studies for a period of time, or take fewer credits during a term and creating a need for additional semesters of study. Columbia Business School is aligned with the University’s Withdraw and Leave of Absence Policy. Please review this page carefully as it contains important information.
Leave of Absence
Leave of Absence (LOA) generally refers to scenarios where a student demonstrates compelling reasons and necessity to interrupt their studies. There are multiple leave of absence types a student may pursue or otherwise be subject to, including those arising from Voluntary and Involuntary circumstances. Types of leaves include voluntary, medical, military, and involuntary leave.
Students must start the program at the entry point to which they were admitted. A leave of absence cannot be taken prior to the completion of the first semester of the program. In the event that students cannot begin the program at the entry point to which they were admitted, they should contact Admissions.
Students in their first semester cannot request a Leave of Absence until at least one (1) class is completed and a grade is earned. Students who take a Leave of Absence in their first semester must return at the entry point to which they were admitted. For example, a student who begins the program in the summer semester and takes a Leave of Absence after finishing one (1) course will be eligible to resume their studies the following summer. A student in this situation may not come back from an LOA during the fall semester unless all first-semester core classes are complete.
All LOAs must be requested by 5pm ET on the business day prior to the semester start date. All students in good academic standing have up to five (5) years from their date of matriculation to complete the MBA program.
Withdraw
The University uses the term Withdraw to formally indicate that a student has ceased attendance in all scheduled courses for a given term. If a student ceases attending classes without notification, that student is considered to have Unofficially Withdrawn from the University.
Resources, Requirements, and Implications
To fully understand the impact of a Withdrawal or Leave of Absence from school, you must understand the ramifications. There are many other areas that should be considered as part of a student's decision to temporarily or permanently interrupt their studies.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Financial Implications, including those related Tuition & Fees, Title IV Federal Student Aid and Other Financial Assistance
- School and University Services including Columbia Health and the Health Insurance
- International Students and Scholars Office
- Students returning from a separation will not receive an additional opportunity to attempt exemption exams for withdrawn, incomplete courses, or Core courses not yet attempted, as this opportunity occurs in advance of matriculation.
Regardless of the type of separation requested or enforced, students who suspend their studies will not have access to some CBS systems, CBS-specific services such as Career and Academic Advising, or University facilities and services outlined in the University Policy. While separated, students are not permitted to participate in CBS academic, career, club, community, or social events unless they are open to the general public. When preparing to return from a leave, students must notify the EMBA Academic & Student Affairs team in writing at [email protected] with the expected semester of return to devise a plan for return.
SYSTEM | ACCESS WHILE ON LOA OR WITHDRAWN? | SYSTEM | ACCESS WHILE ON LOA OR WITHDRAWN? |
Canvas - historical classes | Yes | Slack | No |
Canvas - audit new classes | No | CampusGroups | No |
CBS Directory | Yes | Qualtrics | Yes |
COIN | No | SSOL | Yes |
GSB Email | Yes | Poll Everywhere | No |
Tech Support | No |
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There are many support resources available to students considering interrupting their studies. This includes, but is not limited to:
- EMBA Academic & Student Affairs: Schedule an Advising Appointment here.
- University Life: focuses on enhancing the student experience across Columbia’s 17 schools and colleges and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus culture where students can thrive in all dimensions of their lives.
- Center for Student Success and Intervention: provides multiple on-campus and off-campus resources to assist students with meeting basic needs and serves as a space to access and obtain necessary support and services to help as a part of your journey here at Columbia.
- Religious Life
Next Steps
Students must Schedule an Appointment with a member of the EMBA Academic & Student Affairs team before submitting the The Withdrawal and Leave of Absence Notification Request Form to the University.