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Frequently Asked Questions

Leave of Absence

  1. What is a leave of absence (LOA)? 
    A leave of absence is an approved period during which time a student temporarily withdraws from their graduate program. This can be due to Physical/Mental Health Condition, Financial Hardship, Childbirth/Adoption, Dependent Care or Military Orders. The student will not need to reapply when they return from the leave of absence. 

  2. How long can a leave of absence be? 
    The length of an LOA can be for two semesters or three 12-week terms. Extensions may be possible, but they require additional approval.

  3. What are common reasons for requesting a leave of absence? 
    Common reasons include medical issues, mental health concerns, family emergencies, financial difficulties, or caring for a relative, spouse, child of any age who relies on the graduate student for care.

  4. I have an F-1 or J-1 visa, do I need to talk with International Students and Scholars Service before submitting my leave of absence? 
    Yes, you will need to schedule a meeting with an ISSS advisor prior to ISSS signing off on the form. The LOA will impact your F1/J1 status, you will need to review the implications of the leave of absence with an ISSS advisor.

  1. How do I apply for a leave of absence? 
    Prior to submitting the leave of absence request, graduate students are strongly encouraged to discuss their decision to take a leave with their academic program, assistantship site and fellowship agency(ies). Students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are strongly encouraged to meet with an International Students & Scholars advisor prior to submitting the leave request. The application process involves submitting a leave absence request through TerpEngage. Graduate students applying for a leave of absence request will need to utilize their official university email accounts. Be sure to review the instructions on how to submit online forms in TerpEngage. The program advisor and program director will be able to submit a decision on the leave of absence request in TerpEngage. Students with an F-1 or J-1 visa will need to enter the information of the International Students & Scholars advisor to ensure the student is aware of how the leave will impact their immigration status. Graduate students are encouraged to review the Leave of Absence Policy. 

  2. When should I apply for a leave of absence? 
    You should apply as soon as you know you need to take a leave, ideally before the semester starts or as early as possible to avoid complications with enrollment, tuition and assistantship. 

  1. Will my academic progress be affected? 
    Your academic progress will be paused during your LOA. You will not be expected to complete coursework, research, or exams during this time.

  2. How will a leave of absence affect my dissertation or thesis timeline? 
    Your timeline may be delayed, but you can discuss your leave with your advisor and committee to adjust your milestones and deadlines accordingly.

  1. How does a leave of absence affect my financial aid or scholarships? 
    Most financial aid and scholarships are paused during an LOA. You should check with the financial aid office and any funding agencies to understand the specifics of your situation.

  2. Will I still be responsible for tuition and fees? 
    Students will not be charged student-fees and tuition while on a leave of absence. Students who submit the leave of absence after the first days of semester and are still registered, could potentially be financially responsible for a portion of tuition. Students are encouraged to review the University’s Registrar’s Refund Schedule for Drops for Graduate Students.  

  1. What happens to my health insurance during a leave of absence? 
    Students can sustain their health insurance via the Life Qualifying Event which allows students to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or COBRA.

    Graduate students who are parents, can enroll their partner/spouse as well as dependents onto the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) or COBRA. Please be aware that the cost to purchase Student Health Insurance can potentially vary throughout the year.

  1. How do I return from a leave of absence? 
    Students are required to submit a Return from Leave of Absence request through TerpEngage. Prior to submitting a Return from Leave of Absence request, graduate students are strongly encouraged to discuss their plan to return from leave with their academic program, assistantship site and fellowship agency(ies). Prior to submitting a Return from Leave of Absence request, students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are encouraged to meet with an International Students & Scholars advisor to ensure the student is aware of return instructions related to their visa and immigration status. Graduate students submitting a Return from Leave of Absence request will need to utilize their official university email accounts. Be sure to review the instructions on how to submit online forms in TerpEngage. Graduate students must complete and submit the Return from Leave of Absence Form prior to the beginning of the term the student intends to return to active study. Students who were on a Leave of Absence for medical reasons will be required to submit a supplemental form completed by the student’s health care provider. Students will not be eligible to register until they have requested to return from their leave of absence.

  2. Can I extend my leave of absence? 
    If a student has exhausted the allowed two academic years away from their program, extensions can be requested. Per The Graduate School Policy, graduate students are allowed two total years away from the university before they must reapply in order to continue in the program. Students in 12-week programs may take up to eight (8) 12-week terms of any combination of Waivers of Continuous Registration plus Leaves of Absence. Students in semester programs may take up to four (4) semesters of any combination of Waivers of Continuous Registration plus Leaves of Absence. If you need additional time beyond the allowed amount, you can meet with the Graduate Academic Counselor to apply for an exception which is decided by the Graduate School Dean.

  1. Can I work my assistantship on a leave of absence? 
    Unfortunately, no. If you receive any payment via your assistantship, please contact the unit funding your assistantship to discontinue the payment immediately. If you are paid from your assistantship while on leave, you are at risk of being financially responsible to reimburse for all money paid to you via your assistantship during that period of time.

  1. How will my leave of absence affect my student loans? 
    Loan repayment terms often have specific provisions for students on LOA. Contact your loan servicer to understand your responsibilities.

  2. Are there any alternatives to a leave of absence? 
    All situations are different for each student. To review your specific situation and considerations, please contact the Graduate Academic Counselor at gs-counselor@umd.edu.

Wellness Programs And Mental Health Support

  1. What are graduate wellness outreach programs? 
    UMD has several Graduate wellness outreach programs dedicated to supporting the wellness of graduate students and Postdocs. The programs include Graduate Student Circle Sessions, the Eat, Grow and Learn Series, and Restorative Rest Sessions. 

  2. Who can participate in these programs? 
    Graduate students and postdocs. 

  1. What types of services via Graduate Academic Counselor are commonly offered? 
    Warm-Referrals, which assist graduate students in finding a therapist, psychiatrist, support group and/or care provider. Individual consultations are available to assist with identifying the best resources of support. 

  2. Are there any costs associated with these Wellness Programs and/or Meeting with the Graduate Academic Counselor? 
    No. It is free to meet with the graduate academic counselor virtually and/or in-person. 

  1. How do I access these services? 
    Contact Graduate Academic Counselor via phone 301-405-0296 or email at gs-counselor@umd.edu.

  2. Are the services confidential? 
    Yes however; records are retained in the event of a crisis. Programs and/or BETA services can confirm attendance and/or utilization of services. 

  1. What should I do if I’m in a crisis? 
    If you are in crisis, please contact the counseling center at 301-314-7651. If you are in a life threatening situation, please contact 911.

  2. Can I get involved in organizing or leading wellness activities? 
    Yes, graduate students and postdocs can apply to be a Wellness Ambassador which can develop, host and facilitate their own Wellness Program for their academic community.

Balancing Academic and Caregiving Responsibilities

  1. How can I balance my academic workload with my responsibilities as a parent or caregiver?
    Balancing academic and caregiving responsibilities requires effective time management. Some strategies include creating a detailed schedule, setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and seeking support from family, friends, or campus resources.

  2. Are there specific resources for student parents/caregivers at my university? 
    Yes, please review our resources page for graduate student parents. 

  1. Does the university provide on-campus childcare? 
    UMD offers two potential child care options including the Center for Young Children (CYC) and University of Maryland Child Development Center.

  2. Are there financial assistance programs for childcare? 
    Students can apply for financial assistance for childcare via the Child Care Scholarship Program via the Maryland State Department of Education and Head Start Center Locator. Students should also be aware of the Prince George's Speciality Lottery.

  1. How can I manage stress and maintain my well-being? 
    Managing stress and maintaining well-being is crucial. Utilize campus wellness resources, such as counseling services, stress management workshops, and fitness programs. Finding time for self-care, even in small ways, can also be beneficial.

  2. Are there support groups for student parents and caregivers? 
    There are supportive spaces for student parents and caregivers. To learn about these groups, please visit the UMD University Human Resources Family Care Page. 
  1. How can I manage my finances as a graduate student and a parent/caregiver? 
    Managing finances can be challenging. Create a budget to track your expenses and consider speaking with a financial advisor.

  1. What should I do in case of a family emergency? 
    In case of a family emergency, notify your program director or advisor as soon as possible. Programs are encouraged to work with the student to ensure you are supported. 

  2. Are there emergency funds available for student parents/caregivers? 
    UMD offers a student crisis fund. Learn about how to apply.
  1. Are there transportation services for student parents? 
    Yes. Please go to the Department of Transportation Services to learn more about transportation resources, updates and news.
  1. Are there legal resources for student parents/caregivers? 
    Students can receive legal support via the Graduate Legal Aid Office. 

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