Departments
We encourage students to be in touch with their departments directly to ask any questions they may have about their classes, changes to their major and/or advisors, or plans for their return to academics.
We strongly encourage department staff and faculty to make every effort to be receptive to students’ outreach and offer forthright, supportive, and timely feedback to them. This effort will help the student continue to feel like part of your department even during their absence.
If you have any questions or concerns about a particular student, feel free to contact S3.
Advisors
All advisors receive email confirmation of a student’s leave request once it is processed. This email outlines the expectations the student discussed with their S3 dean at the time they requested their leave. Students are encouraged to discuss any academic details of their leave with their advisors, and to stay in touch while they are away, providing updates on their activities including any classes and/or work.
As part of the return request process, students are asked to consult with their advisors and request a letter outlining an academic plan for the student to complete their degree requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns about a particular student, feel free to contact S3.
Family
Students take leave from MIT for many reasons. Sometimes they express reluctance to talk with their family due to the concern of disappointing them. Family support can be a critical factor in making a student’s transition to leave smoother.
It is understandable that as a family member you may have concerns. We are happy to talk with you about how the leave and return process works so that you are in the best position to support your student.
Friends
Friends can play an important role in supporting a student’s decision to take leave and to help them continue to feel connected to the MIT community while away. Friends play an equally important role in welcoming a student back when returning from leave.
If you have any concerns about a friend, we encourage you to talk with one of our deans. While we cannot share any private information, we can answer any general questions you may have about the leave and return process, and ways of being supportive to your friend.