Leave of Absence Review + Parental Leave
Graduate School
Graduate Academic Counselor
Simone Warrick-Bell, M.A., LCPC
(She/Her/Hers)
Introduction
The Graduate Academic Counselor manages leave of absence requests, approvals, leave of absence extensions and sometime parental accommodations.
Available to meet (in-person or virtual) to review the application process and assist with addressing questions and concerns.
Talking Points
| It is important your reasoning falls under the approved reasons |
| Applies to All Approved Reasons |
| Small Differences based on Approved Reasons |
| Communications sent at the onset of the leave of absence, during and toward the end of the leave of absence |
| You are coming back, right? |
| Do you need more time? |
| Understanding requesting a leave of absence for past semesters |
| What’s Parental Leave? |
| Ask all and any relevant questions |
Approved Reasons for Leave of Absence
Childbirth/Adoption
This applies to all students, gender is not factored into approval
Financial Hardship
This applies in events such as lose of funding, employment or anything impacting your financial situation
Dependent Care
This applies to children, parents/guardians, partners, etc. Anywho you are caring for a daily basis
Physical and/or Mental Health Condition
Physical or mental health condition impacting your ability to perform academically
Military Orders
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force or Military from home country
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
Do I need to register for classes while on a leave of absence?
No. During a leave of absence, you are temporarily not a student during that time. You will lose certain student-related privileges and rights of a registered students such as the Counseling Service, Email Account, Library access and facilities funded by student fees.
Can I keep my assistantship during my leave of absence?
No, during your leave of absence you cannot keep your assistantship. Talk with assistantship supervisor and/or department before applying for a leave of absence to determine if they can reserve your assistantship for when you return.
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
Will taking a leave of absence impact my fellowship?
Maybe. Please consult with your fellowship guarantor prior to submitting your leave of absence request.
Can I keep my insurance via my assistantship?
No but if you need health insurance, you can apply for a Life Qualifying event and receive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). You will have to pay for SHIP or you can use COBRA. Review the prices is possible before making a decision.
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
If I have an assistantship, how does tuition remission work during a leave of absence?
If you request a leave of absence after the adjustment period, there is as potential that you can held responsible for the tuition remission however; programs are able to absorb the cost at times or retroactively drop a course.
I have student loans, will they enter repayment during my leave of absence?
It depends on your student loan servicer. Check-in with financial aid and/or your loan service provider to confirm the loans will not enter repayment and/or the timeline of the loans to enter repayment
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
I am an international student, how will taking a leave of absence impact my status?
Contact ISSS, make an appointment to review how this will impact your F-1/J-1 status. Taking a leave of absence might impact your visa status, future work opportunities and the staying in the country.
What happens if I have an outstanding balance?
Outstanding balances have to be settled prior to your return from the leave of absence
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
Should I take a leave of absence for childbirth/adoption or utilize the parental accommodation? Which is better for me?
It’s your decision. You can request a leave of absence for 1 to 2 semesters and extend it if necessary. The parental accommodations is only available for 8 weeks but, you can keep your assistantship.
Can a leave of absence be denied due to academic probation?
Not exactly. If your program has concerns about you taking a leave of absence and your academic standing, then your program can work with you directly. The graduate school will not deny your leave of absence request if you are on academic probation. We encourage programs to work with students to develop a plan upon the student’s anticipated return.
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
I need health insurance but I need to take a leave of absence, what are my options?
A Life Qualifying Event allows you to purchase Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) while on Leave. You can purchase the insurance for yourself, yourself and spouse or family plan
I am taking a leave of absence, can I get COBRA?
You can assess COBA if you have an assistantship but it’s expensive (in my opinion)
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
Can I use the gym?
Yes, you can buy a membership.
Can I assess any other university resources?
DOTS (you can buy a parking pass) and the library has some options that are available. Essentially, you will not be able to use services that are covered by the student fees such as the Counseling Center, Behavioral Health Service or the Health Center.
Important Leave of Absence Considerations
What will happen to my email?
DIT will deactivate your email after two semesters of leave
If I have questions but I am unsure who to ask, who should I contact while on leave?
Graduate Academic Counselor
Application Process
Review Important Considerations and follow up with necessary parties | | |
Complete and Sign the Leave of Absence Form *Be sure to indicate the term(s) requested* | | |
Have your program director and advisor sign the leave of absence form | | |
Graduate Academic Counselor is the Graduate School Approver | | |
If you are taking a leave of absence due to physical/mental health concerns, submit a supplemental information form with your form | | |
If you are taking a leave of absence due to military orders, submit a copy of your military orders with your form | | |
Whoa!
Please Remember
Application Process
Communication
Email Confirmation at the onset of LOA
-Outlining Reminders
-Drop Course Reminders
-Important Links
-Follow Up Questionnaire
01
Follow Up During LOA
-Based on Follow Up Questionnaire
-Via Email
02
Returning at the End of LOA
-Return from Leave of Absence Reminders
-Extension Review
-Return Survey
03
Returning Resources at the Beginning of Return
-Based on responses to Return Survey
-Email Resources
-Meetings Available
04
Returning from Leave of Absence
Submit a Return from Leave of Absence Form
Signed by Student, Program Director, Program Advisor,
ISSS Staff (F-1/J-1 visa holders)
01
Submit Supplemental Information Form
If you do not have a care provider, indicate that on the form
02
Registration Holds
Address these as quickly as possible
03
Assistance with care coordination
Counseling, Accessibility Disability Services (ADS), Behavioral Health Service (BHS) or parent resources
04
Returning from Leave
I do not have the same doctor. Can my new doctor sign off on the return from leave of absence form?
Yes, please indicate that on the supplemental information form. Have them fill out their information and sign the bottom half and write “new provider” in the onset leave of absence area.
When should I submit my return from leave of absence form?
One month prior to your return to your academic coursework. If you have an F1 or J1 visa, please consult with ISSS to make sure you submitting the required documentation in a timely manner.
Returning from Leave
Why do I need to complete the return from leave of absence form?
This helps us ensure you are aware of resources upon your return to your academic students. This can help with identifying support. Ideally we want to lessen the stress in effort to lower the likelihood of re-experiencing stressors that could potentially trigger another leave of absence.
Can I return early?
Maybe. If you would like to return after the adjustment period this might be a challenge but students are encouraged to follow up with their program prior to returning.
Extending a Leave of Absence
Consider time
You can extend the leave of absence by 1 to 2 semesters or 2 to 3-12 week terms
Appeals
Available if you have exhausted allowed time. Dean has the final say
*Military can potentially go beyond the allowed time
Resigning and Re-Applying
Credits are good for 5 years
Extending Leave of Absence
Retroactive Requests
How far can I request a leave of absence?
One semester back. At times this is a case by case basis and rarely are two semesters awarded to students. If you took classes during that time and received a grade, the retroactive request will be denied.
Can I get money back from retroactive requests?
Maybe. Please follow up with the registrar and complete necessary forms.
Parental Leave
Parents
Alternatives and Reminders