• took a semester off
• lost catalog rights and are returning
• are former returning students
• are returning graduates
• took a Leave of Absence

For detailed information on all categories, consult the University Catalog.

Took a semester off
As long as a student has not attended another college since attending CSU Stanislaus, they just need to register for the next available semester and are not required to reapply.

Lost catalog rights
Students who do not enroll at least part-time for one semester each calendar year risk the loss of rights to their original catalog year. If students lose their catalog rights but have not attended college elsewhere, they may reapply using a simplified application form. If they have attended another college, then they must reapply using the regular admission application and submit transcripts from the other college.

Former returning students
Students who were formerly classified as returning students and are again returning from an absence. These students must reapply to the University using the standard admission application and submit official and complete transcripts covering attendance at any other college after enrollment at CSU Stanislaus.

Returning graduates
Former students of CSU Stanislaus who are returning after graduation are required to submit official and complete transcripts covering attendance at any other college after enrollment at CSU Stanislaus.

Leaves of Absence or Planned Student Leave for Undergraduates
A Planned Student Leave is an interruption of students’ formal education in which they voluntarily cease their enrollment at CSU Stanislaus to pursue other educationally related activities to complete or enrich their academic programs or to clarify their educational goals. The intent of this program is to make it possible for students to suspend their academic work, leave the campus, and later resume their studies with a minimum of procedural difficulty. It is not intended for students who only wish to attend another institution.

1. Eligibility: Any enrolled student is eligible to request a Planned Student Leave. Newly admitted students who have not yet registered are also eligible; the primary intent in such instances being to provide an opportunity for beginning students to pause between high school or community college and CSU Stanislaus enrollment.
2. Requests for Approval:
   a. Each Planned Student Leave request must include a stated intent to re-enroll at CSU Stanislaus within a specified period, and a plan for how the time is to be used in relation to an educational objective. Acceptable requests will be those for planned travel, national service, study, or other specific plans which will contribute to the student’s educational objectives.
   b. The request must be filed prior to the period of absence and is subject to the approvals of the student’s assigned academic adviser, department chair, and the Enrollment Services Office.
   c. Educational leaves may begin at any time. However, if a student chooses to begin a leave while coursework is in progress, the student is subject to all normal regulations and clearances (e.g., official withdrawal, financial aid termination, etc.).
3. Duration of Leave: A typical Planned Student Leave will be for one academic year. A student may request, in writing, an extension of leave prior to its termination. Under no circumstances shall successive leaves exceed two calendar years.
4. Return Responsibilities & Benefits: Students returning from an approved educational leave may be required to submit an application for readmission but will not be required to pay another application fee or submit to residency if terms of the leave have been satisfied. Returning students must specify on the application for readmission form that they are returning from an approved leave. Readmission is guaranteed providing the readmission application is filed according to the following schedule: fall, November; winter and spring, August; and summer term, February—or 30 days after leave approval, whichever is later. A student will be guaranteed normal registration priority and rights to prior graduation requirements provided leave terms fully are met and proper return procedures are followed.
5. Compliance: A student on a Planned Student Leave who does not comply with the provisions of this policy and the conditions of the leave is subject to forfeiture of the advantages of this program.