Leave of Absence

Request Process

Leaves of Absence are categorized in two ways:

  1. Discretionary Leaves of Absence can be initiated for personal reasons, such as internships, job opportunities, or family emergencies.
  2. Medical Leaves of Absence are for physical or mental health emergencies and are processed separately. Learn more about Medical Leaves of Absence.

Students seeking a Discretionary Leave of Absence or Term Withdrawal should contact their advisor, who can help initiate the process. A Leave of Absence involves a consultation with several different offices, including the advisor, Office of Student Financial Services, and International Student Services or Student Care and Support where applicable. The student will fill out a request form that is signed by relevant the relevant offices and then emailed with an approval letter stating the duration of the leave.

Returning from Leave of Absence

Students returning from a Medical Leave of Absence should should follow the steps outlined by Student Care and Support.

Students returning from a Discretionary Leave of Absence must notify the respective dean's office their school of their intent to return before April 1 for a fall semester return, or November 1 for a spring semester return. Further instructions on returning from a Discretionary Leave will be included in the approval letter sent out once the request process is complete.

View the full Leave of Absence Policy.

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.