Field of Law Handbook: J.S.D. Program

The Graduate School requires a Student Progress Review (SPR) once annually to formally assess academic progress and facilitate regular communication between advisees and advisors.  All J.S.D. students are required to complete a self-assessment form at the beginning of the spring semester unless on Leave of Absence.  Completed forms are reviewed by the Special Committee Chair and submitted to the Graduate School. 

Process

• Candidate schedules meeting with Special Committee Chair. 
• Candidate completes and submits SPR at least seven days prior to scheduled meeting with Special Committee Chair. Completed reviews are automatically sent to the Committee Chair. 
• Candidate meets with Committee Chair to discuss research/degree progress. 
• Special Committee Chair completes and submits final Student Progress Review form to the Graduate School. 

Important Note: Deadline extensions are granted ONLY if the Committee Chair is traveling or otherwise unavailable to meet with the candidate prior to the deadline.  Extension requests must be submitted to the GFA via e-mail well in advance of the stated deadline. 

At the beginning of each semester, all students must register with the University. Registration establishes student status and confers access to the range of University resources available to students. Registration is not, however, synonymous with course enrollment.  (See “Course Enrollment” p.30 Code of Legislation).  Registration is required every semester until either withdrawal or completion of the degree, unless a leave of absence is granted. 

Students are considered “in residence” when they are physically and actively completing J.S.D. work on the main Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York.   

Students in residence are expected to prioritize their studies during the academic year and should only consider taking on additional employment in the final semester of study. Students considering employment opportunities should review the Graduate School’s employment limits.  F-1 and J-1 students should also review employment limits for international students. Working more than 8 hours per week while receiving CLS fellowship funding may affect future assistantship awards.

In absentia status provides an opportunity for graduate students to engage in approved study in a location at least 100 miles away from the University’s Ithaca campus during the academic year while continuing to work under the guidance of the Special Committee. Students can earn one (1) registration unit if the arrangement enhances the student’s program of study.  For more information, see the Code of Legislation or obtain information directly from the GFA. 

In absentia petitions are approved on a per semester basis.  A student must first gain unofficial Field approval from their Special Committee and the DGS.  Once Field approval has been granted, the student must complete and submit the In absentia petition to the Graduate School.  In Absentia Petitions are due by June 15 for the Fall Semester and November 1 for the Spring Semester.  Petitions submitted after the deadline are subject to a late registration fee and applicable finance charges. All Bursar accounts must be settled prior to the first day of classes, and you should provide the Bursar’s Office with an updated billing address for the in-absentia period. 

Students in absentia are expected to prioritize their studies during the academic year.  If you are considering employment opportunities, review the Graduate School’s employment limits.  F-1 and J-1 students should also review employment limits for international students. 

A leave of absence can be granted for personal or medical reasons, but the process is different for each type of leave. Time away during an approved leave of absence does not count toward the time to the degree.  

Health Leave of Absence 

Cornell recognizes that medical and mental health conditions can interfere with a student’s ability to be academically successful. Taking a health leave of absence (HLOA) provides students with a break from their studies to attend to treatment or management of a health condition. Any Cornell student can request to take an HLOA at any time. The university’s goal is to enable students to address their health needs and return to complete their academic program. Students considering a health leave of absence should consult with the GFA and Cornell Health. 

Personal Leave of Absence

Under certain circumstances, you may wish to take a personal leave of absence for a non-medical and non-children-related reason. Common reasons students take personal leave include family or financial situations, or a need to re-evaluate their interests and/or goals. Leaves may be up to 12 months long, with annual renewal possible for a total of 4 years. However, field funding may not be available to a student who returns after taking a personal leave of absence for longer than one year.  

Students considering a personal leave of absence should consult with the GFA about deadlines and review the process. International students should also consult with the International Service Office to ensure compliance with visa requirements and to maintain visa eligibility for re-entry to the United States. 

Registering After a Leave of Absence

A student who wishes to register following a leave of absence or a withdrawal should consult the Code of Legislation and contact the Graduate School for advice.  A student may register upon written request to the Graduate Student Services Office and without reapplying, as long as renewal of the leave of absence was granted by the Field each year without interruption.  You should contact the Graduate Student Service Records Team at least one month prior to your return so your registration can be rejoined.  An email request to gradstudserv@cornell.edu is acceptable.  International students must consult the Office of Global Learning before returning.  If the leave of absence was for medical reasons, registration requires prior approval from Cornell Health or another appropriate health care professional, as well as the graduate field and the Graduate School.