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i. Prior to preliminary exams

Doctoral students must enroll for a minimum of 2 credits every fall and spring semester until they complete all degree requirements (Chapter 5.A.2). If they cannot enroll, they must obtain approved graduate leave (Chapter 5.A.6) or internship leave status (Chapter 5.A.7). Doctoral students who fail to enroll or secure approved leave for up to two consecutive semesters (excluding summer) are considered to have an unapproved absence. They may reenroll by paying a non-refundable processing fee and obtaining departmental approval, which is not guaranteed (Chapter 5.A.3). However, students with unapproved absences for three consecutive semesters (excluding summer) will be discontinued from the Graduate School and must reapply to the university and be accepted by the program to resume their studies (Chapter 5.A.4).

ii. After successfully completing preliminary exams

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Medical leave is granted by semester and only applies to the semester(s) in which the student is not enrolled. Medical leave cannot begin mid-semester; if the student must leave school in mid-semester, the university's policies and procedures related to cancelation of enrollment, refunds, and continuation of benefits and other forms of financial aid apply for that semester. Students should contact the Cougar Health Services Insurance & Billing office for information related to health insurance options for the semester(s) on medical leave.

7. Short-term Pregnancy/Parental Leave

The Short-term Pregnancy/Parental Leave plan provides up to six consecutive weeks of leave for the period directly before or after the birth or adoption of a child. During this time, the student continues to be enrolled and maintains their status as a full-time student.

If a student is an Academic Student Employee, they should refer to Chapter 9.1.C for additional information.

a. Eligibility

• • This plan applies to all full-time enrolled graduate students at all campus locations anticipating the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Students must maintain their full-time enrollment status during parental leave.

b. Academic Plan

• • Faculty and other mentors must work with graduate students to create a written Parental Leave Academic Plan with fair and appropriate alternative arrangements.
  • The Plan must be approved by the student's course instructors (if applicable) and the major advisor.
  • Students should alert their chair or director of the graduate program, department, or school and faculty advisor as soon as they know of the need for leave to arrange necessary academic accommodations.
  • Students should meet with their faculty advisor no less than ten weeks before the proposed leave start date to develop their academic work plan.
  • The agreed-upon plan should be attached to the Short-term Pregnancy/Parental Leave form for Graduate School submission.
  • Consult the Access Center for any medical issues requiring reasonable academic accommodation.
  • Graduate assistants are not required to perform duties during leave but may maintain mutually agreed-upon involvement with their advisor.

c. Leave Procedures

• • Complete a Short-Term Pregnancy/Parental Leave form with the academic plan attached.
  • Obtain signatures from the faculty advisor and program/department chair.
  • Submit the form to the Graduate School at least eight weeks before the anticipated leave start date.
  • The Graduate School will notify the student and graduate program of the decision in writing.

d. Extended Absences

• • This type of leave does not cover medical situations or complications due to childbirth. Rather, students should refer to Medical Leave, above.
  • For planned absences of an entire semester or more, graduate students should apply for an official leave of absence from their studies.

8. Internship Leave

Internship Leave entitles graduate students in good standing to be away from the university in a full-time internship while maintaining access to student health insurance, faculty and staff counsel, and use of the university libraries. Students do not need to be enrolled during the semester in which they have been approved for Internship Leave. International students should contact International Programs regarding enrollment requirements.

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