Student Support & Development Services

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Can I take time out from my course?

If you feel you need a break from your course it is possible to take a period of Leave of Absence. This would usually be for either a semester or a year. You would need to have a reason for taking this break though! This can be either for medical reasons, maternity, personal problems including bereavement, financial difficulties, work placement or to change course. If you have been going through a difficult patch taking some time out to address the issues or to rethink your options could be a good solution.

How do I sort out Leave of Absence?

In the first instance talk the option through with someone. This could be your Personal Tutor or a member of staff in your School or someone else you feel you can chat to. Your Personal Tutor would be able to talk to you about the academic implications of taking this time out and if you would need to repeat a period of study on your return. You might also want to talk to Student Financial Support or the Independent Advice Unit. Then make an appointment to see a member of staff from the Student Life and Learning Team. You will need to discuss your request with them, fill out a form and also provide some supporting evidence for your request to take leave. It would save time if you take the supporting evidence to the appointment. You will then get a letter or email confirming that you are on Leave of Absence.

What are the implications of taking Leave of Absence?

Your funding body will be notified and your funding will be suspended while you are on leave. However, you do not pay any tuition fees while you are on leave and you can also be reimbursed for any up front accommodation fees you have paid once you have vacated your room and returned your key. You do have to leave university accommodation within 7 days of your LOA being finalised. You can still access your Keele email though so you should continue to check that while you are on leave.

What do I need to do while I’m on Leave of Absence?

While you are on Leave of Absence continue to check your Keele email for important information. Keep in touch with your Schools for information about module choices and module information. Also don’t forget to apply for accommodation by the February deadline if you want to be on campus on your return from LOA.

What do I need to do to sort out my return to Keele?

If you went on Leave of Absence on medical grounds you will need to send a medical note from your GP or Specialist to Dr O Byrne, the University Medical Officer at the Health Centre. He will assess if you are now fit to resume your course. He may also contact you for further information or ask you to see him for an appointment. You should aim to send this medical information at least two months before your expected date of return to allow enough time for your return to be sorted out.

If you went on Leave of Absence for other reasons about a month before your expected date of return, you will be contacted by email by the Student Records Office who will tell you what you need to do to reregister.