Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the Leave of Absence Process? We have answers! On this page you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Leave of Absence. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact our office at [email protected].

International Students

What considerations do International Students need to keep in mind when requesting a Leave of Absence?

International students in F-1/J-1 visa status must contact the Office of International Services (OIS) by emailing [email protected] prior to submitting the University Leave Request Form. OIS will advise you on the implications to your immigration status, the departure timeline once your LOA is in effect, and the necessary steps to take with our office once you are ready to return from your LOA.

Types of Voluntary Leave of Absence

What happens if a student is unsure what type of Voluntary Leave of Absence to Request?

If you are unsure which type of Voluntary Leave of Absence to request, consult with the Office of Leave of Absence Administration. We will be able to advise you on the type of leave that is best for your situation.

Student Health Insurance

Can a student retain their University-offered Student Health Insurance Plan while on a Leave of Absence?

Students on a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA), will be automatically enrolled in health insurance coverage for the following two semesters (or four terms). Enrollment into coverage for the next semester/term will automatically occur a month before the start of the next semester/term.

Can a student taking a Voluntary Personal Leave of Absence retain their insurance?

If the student’s leave of absence is not a Medical Leave of Absence, the student will remain enrolled in coverage through the semester or term that their leave began. After this period, they have the option to enroll in a 3-month extension of coverage or explore enrollment in a marketplace plan such as Mercer Indigo.

How does a student waive the University-offered Student Health Insurance Plan?

If the student was not enrolled in the University-offered Student Health Insurance Plan or had waived coverage at the time their MLOA started, the student is not eligible for the coverage extension. However, the student will remain in a waived status for up to two additional semesters or four additional terms.

Students who were enrolled in the student health insurance plan and subsequently go on a Medical Leave of Absence will have the option to waive coverage during the next open waiver period. The student will need to provide proof of comparable coverage to be granted a waiver. Waivers are submitted online through the Academic Health Plans portal.

Financial Aid

How will taking a Leave of Absence affect my Financial Aid?

Students should reach out to their Financial Aid advisor to discuss the impact that taking a Leave of Absence may have on their financial aid package. PhD students should also reach out to the appropriate office to understand how a student Leave of Absence may affect access to grants or other funding.

PhD Students

I am a PhD student worker who is part of a bargaining unit. How will taking a Leave of Absence affect my status as an employee?

If you are a student worker who is part of a bargaining unit and covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), you should contact your current faculty/supervisor and/or appropriate Deans office to discuss your Leave of Absence and any impact on your appointment with the University. You may also consult with your Union representative for any questions regarding the CBA.

Academic Pause

I have no classes offered for my degree requirements this semester. Should I take a Leave of Absence?

Students who are unable to take courses in a given semester/term because there are none available are not eligible for a Leave of Absence. Students should consult with their academic advisor or registrar about what status would be appropriate given the circumstances, likely an Academic Pause.

I would like to return from an Academic Pause. How do I make that request?

An Academic Pause is an administrative status placed on a student by the School Registrar’s Office. Students who have been placed on Academic Pause should open a SEAM help case (click the Request Support button to open the case) and state in your case that you would like your student status to be updated from “Academic Pause” back to “Current” when they are ready to return.