Academic Leave and Support Options
Life circumstances sometimes require temporary adjustments to your academic plan. This guide helps you understand your options and find the right support when you need time away from studies, academic modifications, or immediate assistance. For crisis situations that require response, please contact We Care at (617) 373-4430.
Quick Access to All Policies
Important for International Students
All leave and modification options require advance consultation with the Office of Global Services (OGS) to ensure compliance with federal regulations and maintain your visa status. Contact OGS early in your planning process at (617) 373-2310.
Select a Situation or Policy to Get Started
Choose your situation from the menu on the left to explore relevant leave and support options, or use the quick access links above to go directly to any policy. Each policy is designed to support different circumstances, and many policies can apply to multiple situations.
Medical Leave of Absence
A Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) is an option to consider when a student is diagnosed with a major medical illness, injury, or psychiatric illness, after the start of the term that significantly interferes with their ability to attend classes and complete requirements.
What You Receive
- Complete break from all academic work and university activities
- All “W” (withdrawal) grades on transcript for the term
- Student Health Plan coverage maintained through August 31st of academic year
- Potential tuition refund with approved Leave of Absence Refund Appeal
- Referral resources for community care during leave
- Guaranteed readmission with proper medical clearance
Eligibility Requirements
- Have a medical or mental health concern that significantly interferes with their ability to attend classes
- Apply before the deadline (last day to drop with a W)
- Clinical documentation that meets MLOA standards
- Submit completed MLOA Request form
- Complete the process in a timely manner
Application Process
Step 1: Contact UHCS
Call (617) 373-2772 option #4 or email mloa@northeastern.edu to discuss your situation with Care Coordinators. Visit UHCS Medical Leave page for detailed information.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Obtain supporting documentation from clinician including diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and reason for medical leave
Step 3: Submit Forms
Submit completed MLOA Request form and supporting documentation before deadline
Step 4: Review Process
UHCS processes within 3-5 business days. You’ll receive status update within 3 business days of submission
During Your Leave
- Must participate in treatment for the duration of MLOA
- Treatment must address the condition(s) for which MLOA was requested
- No Husky Card access to athletic facilities, libraries, dining, residence halls, or UHCS
- Cannot take classes at Northeastern or other institutions for credit
- Cannot participate in student groups or university activities
- Must leave residence halls within 24-48 hours if living on campus
Returning from Medical Leave
- Submit re-entry documentation approximately one month before intended return
- Requests must be completed no later than one week prior to term start
- Must include completed re-entry form and clinician’s letter recommending return
- Must be enrolled in classes for return term
- Documentation of appointment with local provider after re-entry required
Primary Contact Information
Email: mloa@northeastern.edu
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Medical Leave Forms & Information
Important Deadlines
- Applications must be received no later than the last day to drop with a W in the term
- Medical Leave is not available retroactively
- Re-entry requests must be completed one week prior to term start
- Financial appeals must be submitted within 30 days from end of term
Financial Considerations
- Outstanding balances for current term remain due
- Potential impact on financial aid eligibility
- Student loan grace period considerations
- Housing and meal plan contract implications
- Student health insurance coverage maintained through August 31st
Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations provide support for students with documented disabilities or temporary medical conditions who may need particular accommodations in order to continue their studies. This allows you to receive necessary support while remaining enrolled.
Examples of Accommodations That Might Apply
- Extended time for assignments, exams, and projects
- Modified course requirements and expectations
- Alternative testing arrangements (location, format, timing)
- Note-taking assistance and recording permissions
- Priority registration for optimal scheduling
- Reduced course load while maintaining full-time status
- Pregnancy-related modifications (breaks, schedule changes, physical space adjustments)
Eligibility Requirements
- Documentation of a disability that demonstrates current substantial limitation
- Condition must substantially limit one or more major life activities
- Able to participate in academic program with reasonable accommodations
- Submit required documentation for review by committee
- Complete Student Disclosure Form
Application Process
Step 1: Complete Student Disclosure Form
Fill out the Student Disclosure Form as your initial step in the accommodation request process
Step 2: Submit Clinical Documentation
Submit additional clinical documentation via your DAS portal or email to DASdocumentation@northeastern.edu
Step 3: Committee Review and Interactive Process
Documentation reviewed by committee and discussed with student using interactive, multi-source approach (typically takes 2-3 weeks)
Step 4: Registration Meeting
If approved, meet with DAS specialist to review finalized accommodations and discuss policies and procedures
Examples of Required Documentation
- Student Disclosure Form (required for all students)
- Evaluation or Disability Disclosure Form from qualified professional
- Verification of prior accommodations (IEP, 504 plan, or private school equivalent)
- SAT, ACT, or IB accommodations verification
- Documentation from other post-secondary institutions (if applicable)
- For pregnancy-related conditions: Pregnancy or Related Condition Modification Request Form
Important Notes
- Documentation reviewed on case-by-case basis in order received
- Prior high school accommodations do not guarantee same accommodations at Northeastern
- Diagnosis alone may not qualify student for accommodations
- Temporary conditions (6 months or fewer) may not qualify for support, or may qualify for temporary support
- Appeal process available if accommodation requests are denied
Ongoing Support
- Regular check-ins with DAS specialist
- Accommodation adjustments as needs change
- Faculty coordination and advocacy
- Connection to additional campus resources
- Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) fee-for-service option available
Special Services
- Temporary condition support for injuries lasting 6 months or less
- Pregnancy and related condition modifications
- Lactation spaces available throughout campus
- Online and different campus accommodations available
- Appeal process for denied accommodation requests
Primary Contact Information
Email: DASdocumentation@northeastern.edu
Documentation review: 2-3 weeks typical processing time
DAS Website & Forms
Timeline and Process
- Submit documentation well in advance of needing services
- Documentation review typically takes 2-3 weeks
- During high volume times, reviews may take several weeks
- Committee may request additional information if needed
Examples of Financial Considerations
- Basic accommodations provided at no cost through DAS
- Learning Disabilities Program (LDP) is fee-for-service
- No impact on tuition or standard academic fees
- Required documentation costs (evaluations, etc.) are student responsibility
Emergency Leave
Crisis situations require immediate response
Contact We Care at (617) 373-4430 for 24/7 support and guidance through all available options.
Emergency leave may be granted when a student cannot continue attending class after the start of the term due to sudden, life-changing situations beyond the student’s control. This provides immediate protection and support during crisis situations.
What You Receive
- Immediate withdrawal protection (prevents academic penalty)
- Crisis intervention and emotional support
- Potential tuition refund consideration with Leave of Absence Refund Appeal
- Connection to campus and community mental health resources
- Assistance navigating university policies and procedures
- Coordination with other university offices as needed
Eligibility Requirements
- Sudden onset of crisis after term has begun
- Situation must be beyond student’s control
- Must significantly impact ability to continue academic work
- Typically involves medical, mental health, or severe personal crises
Application Process
IMMEDIATE: Call We Care
Call We Care at (617) 373-4430 (available 24/7) for crisis intervention and initial support
Assessment
We Care helps assess situation and available options
Application Assistance
If emergency leave is appropriate, We Care assists with application
Submit Request
Submit emergency leave request through Student Hub with We Care support
Types of Crisis Situations
- Family emergencies or sudden family crises
- Housing emergencies or sudden homelessness
- Financial crises affecting ability to continue studies
- Mental health crises or thoughts of self-harm
- Medical emergencies affecting student or family
- Any emergency situation affecting your studies
Additional Considerations
- Outstanding balances for the term remain due to university
- Housing and meal plan charges handled separately
- Financial aid recipients must contact financial aid counselor
- International students: We Care coordinates with OGS
Primary Contact Information
Available: 24 hours, 7 days a week
We Care Services
Modified Academic Plan for New Parents
Graduate students at Northeastern University who become parents may be eligible for a Modified Academic Plan (Parental Modification), which allows them to remain registered as full-time students while receiving academic flexibility during the adjustment to parenthood. This policy recognizes that both parents may need support during this significant life transition.
What You Receive
- Up to 12 weeks of academic flexibility
- Modified deadlines for course assignments and examinations
- Flexible teaching and research responsibilities
- Remain registered as full-time student throughout modification period
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be full-time, registered graduate student in good standing at Northeastern University
- Must have recently given birth, have partner who gave birth, or adopted a child
- Available within one year after birth or adoption
- Both birthing parents and partners are eligible
Application Process
Timeline (4 months early when possible)
Apply at least 4 months before anticipated due/adoption date when possible
Gather Documentation
Obtain letter from physician/healthcare provider with anticipated arrival date, or adoption documentation
International Students
Consult with Office of Global Services (OGS) to determine visa impact before applying – F-1/J-1 students must remain compliant
SApplication Process
Students enrolled in master’s and professional doctorate programs complete the request for a MAP form HERE. Students enrolled in PhD programs complete the request for a MAP form HERE
Review Process
Every effort will be made to acknowledge requests within 3 business days, and to communicate decisions to students within 3 weeks
During Your Modification
- Remain enrolled and maintain full-time student status
- Work with DAS and faculty on modified academic requirements
- If requirements extend beyond term end, follow Incomplete Grade policy
- Extensions beyond 30 days require Request to Waive University Policies
- Academic appointments confirmed separately by administrators
- Specific provisions vary based on program and university responsibilities
Alternative Options
- Medical Leave: Available for major medical conditions that preclude class attendance
- Emergency Leave: Facilitated by We Care for sudden circumstances
- Personal Leave: Available for general circumstances (see Academic Catalog)
- Office for University Equity and Compliance: Resources and support information
Primary Contact Information
Email: DASdocumentation@northeastern.edu
Forms: DAS Request for Parental Modification
DAS Website & Forms
Phone: (617) 373-2310
Required consultation before applying
OGS Website
Important Timing
- Can be taken any time within one year surrounding birth or adoption
- Apply at least 4 months in advance when possible
- DAS acknowledgment within 3 business days
- Decision communicated within 3 weeks
- International students must consult OGS before applying
Special Considerations
- International Students (F-1/J-1): Must maintain compliance with federal regulations
- Canadian Campus Students: Must meet Study Permit conditions per IRCC
- Multiple Children: Additional 4 weeks per additional child born/adopted
- Academic Appointments: Confirmation separate from modification approval
- Program Variations: Specific provisions vary by program and responsibilities
Personal Leave of Absence
Personal leave provides up to one year away from studies for circumstances that don’t qualify for other specific leave types. This option allows students to address personal, financial, or academic concerns while maintaining their connection to the university and guaranteed readmission.
What You Receive
- Up to one year away from studies
- Time to address personal, financial, or academic concerns
- Guaranteed readmission to continue studies
- Opportunity to return refreshed and refocused
- Flexible return timing within the approved leave period
- Connection to university resources for planning return
Common Reasons for Personal Leave
- Financial difficulties requiring time to work and save
- Need to reassess academic or career goals
- Family circumstances not covered by other leave types
- Personal development opportunities (internships, travel)
- Mental health recovery not requiring medical leave
- Caring for family members with ongoing needs
- Extended time needed after crisis resolution
Application Process
Academic Advisor Consultation
Meet with academic advisor to discuss situation and explore alternatives. Review personal leave policy in the Academic Catalog
Consider Other Options
Review other leave types that might be more appropriate for your situation
International Students
Schedule appointment with OGS before applying to discuss visa implications
Submit Application
Submit personal leave request through Student Hub before last day to drop without W
Primary Contact Information
Military Deployment or Missionary Service Leave
Specialized leave provisions for students called to active military duty, including deployment, activation, extended training, or undertaking religious missionary service. This leave type provides specific protections and benefits designed to support service members’ and missionaries’ transition back to academic life.
What You Receive
- Tuition excused for deployment/service term (payment credited to account)
- Guaranteed place held for return
- Option for incomplete grades if called near term end
- Flexible reentry process based on length of service
- Protection of academic standing during deployment/service
- Coordination with military education benefits or religious organization upon return
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be currently enrolled student in good standing
- Official military deployment/activation orders OR formal commitment to recognized missionary service
- Service must be involuntary/required military duty OR full-time missionary commitment
- Applies to all branches of military service or recognized religious organizations
Application Process
Gather Documentation
Obtain official deployment/activation orders OR documentation from sponsoring religious organization
Academic Consultation
Meet with academic advisor to discuss timeline and academic impact
Submit Request
Submit military/missionary service leave request through Student Hub with official documentation
Faculty Coordination
Work with faculty on incomplete grades if needed; confirm leave approval before departure