Leaves of Absence and Theses Extensions
Time limits of curriculum
Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Community Development, Master of Applied Kinesiology
All requirements for 2-year degree programs (all Science, Community Development, Applied Kinesiology, Social and Political Thought) must be completed within six years of first registration. All requirements for graduate degrees in Arts, not including Social and Political Thought, must be completed within five years of first registration.
Master of Education
All requirements for the degree must be completed within four years of completion of course requirements, subject to a maximum of eight years between first registration as a MEd student and completion of the requirements for the degree.
Extension to Time Limits
If a student requires an extension to their time limits (ie., is 1 semester away from the maximum years noted above, depending on program), they must apply for an extension using the prescribed form. The completed form must be submitted to Graduate Studies no later than three (3) months prior to the requested extension period. The extension requires the support of the thesis supervisor (in the case of non-thesis students the Graduate Coordinator) and the Dept Head/Director. Extensions are not automatic, and will be granted only in cases of extenuating circumstances.
Leave of Absence Policies
A leave of absence is a way for students who are experiencing out-of-the-ordinary circumstances to take time off during their degree program. Common reasons include maternity/parental leave; compassionate leave; illness; or employment.
1. Graduate students requesting a leave of absence must do so in the manner prescribed by the Division of Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies.
2. Students must complete and submit the signed "Leave of Absence" form to the Graduate Studies Officer, Division of Research, Innovation & Graduate Studies.
Leaves may have student loan consequences. Students considering taking a leave should contact Student Accounts for further details.
The student is responsible for withdrawing from courses during the approved leave period. Graduate Studies will ensure that the thesis course (if applicable) is removed from the record.
If applicable, the person responsible for payment of funds (eg. Scholarship, RA or TA) is required to initiate a stop pay on the funding source for the duration of the approved leave.
SPECIAL NOTE: Leaves should be requested before a semester begins. If that is not the case, the student is subject to refund and course withdrawal penalties based on the date the leave of absence form is received in Graduate Studies, and in accordance with the “Academic, Student, Residence and Meal Plan Withdrawal/Cancellation Fees” section of the current University Academic Calendar (https://registrar.acadiau.ca/AcademicCalendars.html).
Any approved leave of absence will result in a reduction in months of study on a student’s T2202 (Tuition and Enrolment Certificate) to reflect the timeframe of the leave.
Maternity/Parental Leave
Maternity/parental leave will be granted upon request to graduate students, without prejudice to their academic standing, for a period of up to 52 weeks. Where both parents are graduate students seeking leave, the combined total may not exceed 52 weeks. Leaves must be completed no later than 1 year after the date of birth or assumption of custody. Statutory periods for completion of the degree program will be extended by the length of the leave. Maternity/parental leave frees students from paying regular fees and at the same time releases the University from providing them with services. However, students may choose to maintain computer network, email, and library access during the period of the leave. Financial support from university sources will normally be suspended during the period of the leave and, where possible, will be reinstated upon completion of the leave. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the status of funding from all external sources.
Leave due to illness
A leave of absence due to illness will be granted upon request to graduate students, without prejudice to their academic standing, for a period of up to 52 weeks. Students will normally be granted such a leave only once in the course of their program. Statutory periods for completion of degree programs will be extended by the length of the leave. Leave due to illness frees students from paying regular fees and at the same time releases the University from providing them with services. However, students may choose to maintain computer network, email, and library access during the period of the leave. Financial support from university sources will normally be suspended during the period of the leave and, where possible, will be reinstated upon completion of the leave. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the status of funding from all external sources.
Compassionate Leave
Graduate students will be provided with compassionate leave for a period of up to 52 weeks for the care and support of a seriously ill family member. This leave is not intended to cover circumstances related to travel, employment, or other financial concerns. Statutory periods for completion of degree programs will be extended by the length of the leave. Once on leave, students will not be registered with the University, but they may choose to maintain computer network, email, and library access during the period of the leave. Financial support from university sources will normally be suspended during the period of the leave and, where possible, will be reinstated upon completion of the leave. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the status of funding from all external sources.
Employment Leave
Full-time graduate students may take a leave of absence for employment reasons for a period of up to 52 weeks once in the course of their program. Students taking employment leaves are responsible for verifying that all required elements of their program will be available upon their return. Students granted employment leaves are responsible for registering and for paying full tuition or the yearly continuing fee, whichever applies, and are ineligible for funding from university sources. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the status of funding from all external sources.