If you do not intend to take courses during one or more terms, you need to file for either Residency or a Leave of Absence (LOA). The table below compares the two.

What is Residency?

Residency means you are still enrolled at the University but are just not taking any classes. You retain all the privileges that any enrolled student would have. You should file for Residency if any of the following are true:

• You have finished all your coursework and are working on your MMS 200 project, and you wish to continue receiving guidance from your adviser.
• You are not enrolled in any subjects but want to complete an EXT or remove a grade of 4.0.
  
  

How long does Residency last?

• Residency lasts one term. You must register for Residency for every term you need to be in Residency. 
• You can register for however many terms you need for Residency.
  
  

How do I apply for Residency?

• Use the Online Registration System in AIMS to apply for Residency.
• Registration for Residency should be done during the registration/enrollment period.
  
  

What is a Leave of Absence?

Taking a LOA means that you are taking a break from your studies and from the services offered by the University. This means that unlike filing for Residency, you are not entitled to support and advice from your special project adviser when you are on a Leave of Absence. You are also not allowed to complete an EXT or 4.0 under a Leave of Absence.

Please see https://registrar.upou.edu.ph/application-for-loa/ for details about applying for a Leave of Absence. 

How long does a Leave of Absence last?

Unlike Residency (which you have to file for once every term), a Leave of Absence lasts for up to one year from the term of effectivity. If you are granted an official LOA, you will be given a final grade of DRP for the courses you are enrolled in, with "LOA" under the Remarks column.

How do I apply for a Leave of Absence?

• Use the Student Portal in AIMS to apply for a Leave of Absence.
• See the Academic Calendar for the deadline for applying for a Leave of Absence. 

If I go on Leave or if I take a Residency term, how does this affect my Maximum Residency?

Please note that if you file for either Residency or LOA, the Maximum Residence Rule continues to hold and the computation of your last enrollable term does not change.

What happens if I fail to file for Residency or a Leave of Absence?

If you do not take any courses and fail to file for Residency or a Leave of Absence, then you are considered absent without official leave (AWOL) and you will then have to apply for readmission.

When is the deadline for applying for Residency or for a Leave of Absence?

Please note that the deadlines for filing for Residency and for filing for LOA are different, as are the procedures. Consult the Academic Calendar and the rest of this article for more details.