Students who do not attempt coursework for at least one semester (during the fall or spring semester) of an academic year without having submitted a Leave of Absence form will be required to reactivate their files. For graduate students, this process requires submitting an Application for Readmission (readmission is not guaranteed). For undergraduate students, this requires completion of a Degree Activation Form. If readmitted, the student will be subject to all of the current requirements for the degree in effect in the current USC Catalogue at the time of readmission. Detailed information follows.
A student who leaves the university without obtaining a formal leave of absence from graduate study is not automatically readmitted.
Process for Readmission Less than 10/7 Years
The following process goes into effect if less than ten years (for doctoral students) or seven years (for master’s students) have passed since the student started his/her program:
Process for Readmission More than 10/7 Years
The following process goes into effect if more than 10 years (for doctoral students) and seven years (for master’s students) have transpired since the student started the program:
Process to Use Earlier Catalogue for Readmitted Students
To request that the USC Catalogue in effect at the time of the original admission be used to satisfy degree requirements:
For additional information, please go to the Graduate Students page in the Requirements for Graduation section of the USC Catalogue.
Students who have failed to attempt coursework for at least one semester within an academic year without filing a Leave of Absence Form will have their Program of Study (degree objective) expired. Returning undergraduates will be required to meet with their department advisor and complete a Degree Activation Form before registration will be permitted.