Voluntary Leaves of Absence

Last Updated

February 04, 2023

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Voluntary Leaves of Absence
Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons
Family Leave of Absence
Related Contacts and Forms

Students who wish to interrupt their studies at any time before graduation may apply for a leave of absence for a single term or a year. In preparation, students should discuss their plans with their advisor and with their financial aid officer. Requests for a leave of absence may be granted by the Office of Students Affair in consultation with other officers of the University, as appropriate. With respect to a voluntary leave of absence for medical reasons, the Office of Student Affairs Office may consult with Harvard University Health Services (which may consider information from the student’s current and/or former health care providers, if made available by the student).

Students are ordinarily not approved for a leave of absence prior to matriculation into their academic program. Prior to matriculation, students may request to defer their admission to the following year.
Leaves of longer than a year are granted only in unusual circumstances, for example, if the student wishes to obtain a separate professional degree or if they are on active service in the US military or other documented military service.
Students should consult with their financial aid officer concerning the financial implications of going on leave.
Students who plan to teach more than six-fifths over the course of a year must apply for a leave of absence and serve as a teaching assistant instead of a teaching fellow.

International Students

Immigration regulations require F-1 or J-1 visa holders to maintain full-time enrollment as a resident student while in the United States. F-1 or J-1 students who are considering applying for leave of absence must speak to an advisor in the Harvard International Office to obtain approval of their application.

Health Insurance

The date a student goes on leave will affect the student's health insurance through Harvard. For details, review the Leave of Absence policy on the HUHSP website, or contact the Student Health Insurance Office, Member Services, at 617-495-2008 or mservices@huhs.harvard.edu.

Leave of Absence for Medical Reasons

In reviewing requests for a voluntary leave of absence for medical reasons, the Office of Student Affairs may consult with Harvard University Health Services and/or the Disability Access Office who may consider information from the student’s current and/or former health care providers, if made available by the student.

Family Leave of Absence

Students of any gender enrolled at Harvard Griffin GSAS may take a family leave of absence of up to two terms for the birth or adoption of a child, childcare, or care of an immediate family member with a serious health condition. In preparation, students should discuss their plans with their financial aid officer.

Students should review the Parental Accommodation and Financial Support program before deciding to apply for a family leave of absence.

Students are expected to notify their advisors and their directors of graduate studies as early as possible about their plans to take a family leave of absence so that appropriate accommodations can be made to cover any teaching or research responsibilities.
Students are eligible for a departmental G-Year adjustment of one year, regardless of whether they take leave for one or two terms; requests should be made through their academic program administrator or graduate program coordinator.
Academic requirements (such as postponement of exams and course requirements) may be adjusted in consideration of the student’s leave.