Leaves of Absences
Students are eligible for a leave of absence for up to one year for maternity/parental, medical, or compassionate grounds. The time away does not count towards the total years in the program. Students must start and return at the beginning of a term: Fall (Sept); Winter (Jan); Spring (May); Summer (July).
Thesis-based students admitted prior to 2011 (on previous registration structure of THES 919) should note the following: returning in Spring (May), or Summer (July) will be required to register in THES 906 for that term.
Students should consult first with their supervisor, and then the Graduate Program Administrator. Requirements for each specified request are listed below. Additional information is available in FGSR's Graduate Manual section 7.
The student is to discuss with their supervisor, and then submit the following documents to the Graduate Program Administrator:
- FGSR's Application for Leave of Absence form
- Written explanation of circumstances
- The supervisor must provide a letter of support
- Associate Dean (Graduate) will review and determine if circumstances are sufficient for grounds for leave
- If Associate Dean (Graduate) approves, the form and supporting documentation will be sent to FGSR
- Dean, FGSR will review and approve the request
- The student will receive a decision by email from FGSR's Graduate Student Services Advisor
The student is to discuss with their supervisor, and then submit the following documents to the Graduate Program Administrator:
- FGSR's Application for Leave of Absence form
- Proof of pregnancy birth/adoption or physician's report
- Associate Dean (Graduate) will review and approve the request
- The student will receive an approval email from Graduate Program Administrator
- Form and supporting documentation will be sent to FGSR; FGSR will officially update student records to reflect leave
Paid Maternity/Parental Leaves
Academically Employed Graduate Students (AEGS) with Faculty funded Graduate Assistantship funding are eligible for a paid maternity/parental leave (maternity- up to six weeks at 100% of stipend; parental- up to 10 weeks at 75% stipend).
Payment is in accordance with the student's original funding offer from the Faculty (Master's: 6 hours/week; Doctoral: 12 hours/week).
The four month paid maternity/parental leave can either be included within the Faculty's committed time frame (Master's: 2 years [16 months], Sept-April; Doctoral: 4 years [32 months], Sept-April) while on an official leave of absence, or be deferred a term upon return from the leave of absence, but will not exceed the Faculty's original funding commitment offer.
To apply for a paid maternity/parental leave, submit the following in addition to the Application for Leave of Absence form and supporting document(s):
- Graduate Students' Association (GSA) APPENDIX D - Paid Maternity and/or Parental Leave and/or Deferral of Assistantship Form
- Graduate Program Administrator will process paid leave
The student is to discuss with their supervisor, and then submit the following documents to the Graduate Program Administrator:
- FGSR's Application for Leave of Absence form
- Physician/Specialist/Nurse Practitioner report that meets requirements of FGSR's Graduate Manual section 7
- Associate Dean (Graduate) will review and approve the request
- The student will receive an approval email from Graduate Program Administrator
- Form and supporting documentation will be sent to FGSR; FGSR will officially update student records to reflect leave
A professional leave must be supported by documentation from the employer and/or agency involved that indicates the nature of the professional experience and the duration of the appointment. The professional experience must add value to the career. Professional experience integrated into thesis work will not qualify for professional leave.
The student is to discuss with their supervisor, and then submit the following documents to the Graduate Program Administrator:
- FGSR's Application for Leave of Absence form
- Written explanation of circumstances
- The supervisor must also provide a letter of support
- Associate Dean (Graduate) will review and determine if circumstances are sufficient for grounds for leave
- If Associate Dean (Graduate) approves, the form and supporting documentation will be sent to FGSR
- Dean, FGSR will review and approve the request
- The student will receive a decision by email from FGSR's Graduate Student Services Advisor