• Student Handbook
• Academic Integrity
• Personal Conduct
• Registrar Policies
• Degree Requirements

Registrar Policies

Privacy Policy

Students' rights to access student records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

- Privacy guidelines (Links to PDF)
- Harvard University FERPA web site

Grading Policy

Please refer to Grades and Grading for information about the rules and standards for grading at HKS.

Leave of Absence Policy

A leave of absence is a period of non-enrollment. Students on leave are not considered to be working toward their Harvard Kennedy School degree.

The Office of the Registrar may approve a leave of absence for a semester or up to a year. Extension of leaves for up to one year at a time must be requested in writing. Failure to request additional leave time or extension of leave time not approved will result in a withdrawal. It will be necessary to request readmission in writing from the Office of the Registrar stating reasons for wishing to return as well as plans for completing the degree. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Students are expected to return to full-time registered status after the approved period of leave. Students who do not return and do not apply for an extension will be considered to have withdrawn from degree candidacy.

Any conditions set for a return from leave, such as a letter of clearance from the student’s physician for medial leave of absence, that are specified in the letter of approval from the Registrar, must be met prior to resuming studies.

Students on leave will be charged an active file fee for each semester away, payable prior to registration.

A leave of absence will not extend the maximum matriculation period for completing degree requirements. (5 years for all 2-year programs and 4 years for the MC/MPA)

International Students
International students MUST speak with the Harvard International Office about the immigration-related ramifications of taking a leave of absence before the leave of absence will be approved. International students who take leaves of absence must be aware of how this might affect his or her visa status and practical training eligibility. International students must contact the Harvard International Office to discuss their options. Additionally, students should contact their financial aid officer for further clarification.

Download a copy of the Voluntary Leave of Absence Request Application (Links to PDF).