FoGS policies on Leaves of Absence

In addition, please review types of leave: personal, parental, medical and concurrent (to pursue another program.

A leave must begin on the first day of term, for a period of 4, 8 or 12 months.

Procedure

1. Student requests a leave of absence in writing from his or her home graduate program.
2. Program downloads the form “Request Leave of Absence ” from the Forms section of this website.
3. Program fills out the form. The “Comments” section should include a brief explanation of the reason for the leave.
4. Graduate Advisor attaches a copy of the student’s written request and/or the note from the student’s doctor advising medical leave (as applicable).
5. Student’s Supervisor approves the leave request and signs the form.
6. Graduate Advisor signs the form.
7. Program sends form and a copy of the student’s written request and/or the note from the student’s doctor to FoGS (as applicable).
8. FoGS reviews form and attached materials.
9. FoGS updates the student’s academic record to show the leave period.
10. FoGS notifies the student (copy to program) that the leave has been approved.
11. FoGS notifies Awards of the changes.

Important

Leave is not usually granted retroactively, nor to a student whose registration is not current or whose time in program has elapsed.

International students: taking a leave of absence can adversely affect their immigration status. Please ensure that they understand the possible consequences of their leave.

Note

Students on leave must not undertake any academic or research work, or use any of the University’s facilities during the period of leave.

Students on leave are not eligible to receive awards.

Students on leave are assessed an on-leave fee by Enrolment Services. To find out the fee amount, please contact them directly.