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Taking a Quarter Off

Taking a Quarter Off

Owned by Carmen Escobedo
Last updated: Apr 08, 2023
2 min read

Taking a quarter off is not always as simple as not registering for classes and there are important policies for students to be aware of in advance.  All students should consult with their academic advisor before taking a quarter off!

DOMESTIC STUDENTS

Summer quarter

  • Summer is an automatic vacation quarter, meaning that it is permissible to not enroll in credits (so long as you were enrolled or on-leave during the preceding spring quarter).  You will keep your student status and be able to enroll in autumn courses.

Academic Year (Autumn, Winter, & Spring Quarters)

  • You need to be enrolled during the academic year to keep your student status.  Not enrolling during autumn, winter, or spring quarters will make you go inactive and appear to have dropped out of your degree program.

  • If you want to take a quarter off during the academic year you should request on-leave status.  Being on-leave lets you not enroll, but you keep your student status and can register for the following quarter.

  • If you want to take multiple quarters off then you will need to submit a formal request to the department.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

All international students should familiarize themselves with policies surrounding their annual vacation quarter and on-leave status.  Always talk to ISS if you have questions!

Summer quarter

  • Summer is an automatic vacation quarter for international students, provided you have completed one full-time academic year (3 consecutive full-time quarters) and will register during the following quarter. 

  • If you joined the program in autumn quarter and were full-time in autumn, winter, and spring, then you are eligible for a summer vacation quarter and may register part-time or not at all.

Academic Year (Autumn, Winter, & Spring Quarters)

  • Taking a quarter off other than your annual vacation quarter requires very special permission from ISS, as there are serious considerations for immigration policies and your visa status!  Always consult with ISS prior to taking a non-annual vacation quarter!

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