Leave of absence?

[erewhon]

Hi everyone,

I have a burning question that I am afraid to ask anyone at my school and I really hope any of you will be able to help me out.

I am about to complete my first semester as a PhD student and am having so much trouble just keeping my head above water.

I have weighed the pros and cons of my situation a billion times and have come to the conclusion that I do not want to leave graduate school altogether, but I need a break to regain emotional and psychological stability and figure out some major things in my life.

I really want to apply for a leave of absence and was wondering if any of you could share their experience or give me advice.

I am afraid the department will deny me a leave since I am only a semester into my program, and I'm even more afraid that they will see this as sign that I'm not fit for graduate school and will kick me out.

Are leaves considered a bad stain on one's graduate curriculum? How does it work in terms of scholarships / credit? Does everything just freeze?

Thank you,

Eleanor

[bgk]

Hi Eleanor,

I think you should really see someone in your department about this. If it is really a psychological issue they should understand.

I know at my school it is possible and not really frowned upon.