Rule XI: Student Leaves of Absence and Rights of Return

A. A student who has completed at least one (1) semester of full-time enrollment at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law (UNH Law) and who is eligible academically to continue, may take a leave of absence for up to one year from UNH Law. Notification and permission of the leave-taking must be made in writing to the Assistant Dean of Students and may include supporting documentation. The ability to return is conditional on this notice and permission. Departure without formal notice of leave and permission may result in failing grades with consequences under Rules IV and VI. Students who have taken a leave of absence for more than one year must reapply for admission, with advance standing, through the Admission’s office.

B. A student who has not completed at least one (1) semester of academic credit at UNH Law must seek admission as an entering student in order to matriculate at UNH Law, unless the following requirements are met: 

1. That the leave of absence is necessitated by substantial burdens imposed on the student as the result of circumstances external to, and beyond the control of, the student. 
2. That the leave of absence is approved by the Assistant Dean of Students before it begins, or where approval is not practicable because of emergency demands on the individual, as soon as practicable after it begins. 

A student who meets the requirements of subdivision 2(a) through (b) of this rule has the right to rematriculate as an entering student without going through the Admissions process again. Students who have taken a leave of absence for more than one year must reapply for admission, with advance standing, through the Admission’s office.

C.  A student who has completed at least one (1) semester of full-time academic work and is not academically eligible to continue, will be subject to Rule VI: Academic Standing and Review upon their return.