Absences: Excused and Leaves

Excused Absences
Excused absences are time away from course meetings during the term or semester that student is currently enrolled in. Based on the number of absences during the term, the students shall work with the faculty member(s) and Title IX coordinator or designee to discuss a reasonable timeline for expected course completion based on the student's time away from the course, which may include "incompletes."

In order to initiate a leave of absence, the student shall contact the Title IX coordinator or designee at least 30 calendar days prior to the initiation of leave, or as soon as practicable. The coordinator will assist the student in completing any necessary paperwork. 

Leave of Absence Specifications 
A leave of absence is available to parenting students and students due to pregnancy or related conditions, adoption, or placement of a child. A leave of absence is considered not enrolling in one semester or more with plans to return within two academic years. A leave of absence allows for a break in continuous enrollment and, if in good standing, a return to the degree program at a later date without going through a re-entry process if within the two academic year timeframe.

Students must not be required to take a leave of absence; it is a voluntary decision made by the student. In addition, colleges and universities shall not limit a student's choice in studies or academic programs on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status. Students may not know the exact dates of when they will need leave, or for how long, until they have actually given birth. No notice of very short notice is acceptable when there are extenuating circumstances. 

The the extent possible, Minnesota State will take reasonable steps to ensure that students who take a leave of absence return to the same position to academic progress that they were in when they took leave, including access to the same or an equivalent course catalog that was in place when the leave began. Students may be required to take a new course due to factors outside of the control of the college or university.

Student Scholarships, Fellowships or State-Sponsored Funding
Continuation of students' scholarships, fellowships, or similar Minnesota State sponsored funding during the leave term will depend on student registration status and the policies of the funding program regarding registration status. To the extent possible, students will not be negatively impacted by or forfeit their future eligibility for their scholarship, fellowship, or similar college or university-support funding by exercising their rights under this procedure.

The Title IX coordinator or designee will advocate for students with respect to financial aid agencies and external scholarship providers in the event that a leave of absence places eligibility into question.