Student Leave of Absence Request

What is this service?

This service allows students to request a leave of absence for exceptional circumstances such as, family emergency, personal or family medical requirements, parental or care-giving responsibilities, required military service. Work, holiday or travel during a single term is not justification for a leave of absence.

A leave of absence is for an approved period during which a student ceases to work towards their program. BSC NURS AC students may also request a leave in the spring/summer term.

Leave options are: 

  1. First term: September to December
  2. Second term: January to April. 
  3. Spring or summer terms for BSC NURS AC students only

Students must be in good financial standing.

Students will be charged a fee of $100 if the leave of absence is approved. 

Students on a leave of absence will be dropped from their courses based on the effective date, refund rules will apply. In progress letter of permission courses will be removed. No credit will be granted for course work completed elsewhere while on leave. Once a leave of absence is approved, the request may not be rescinded.

Students will be subject to academic assessment at the end of the year and progression assessment during the academic year for the Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.

Students should allow 5-10 business days for the business office to finalize the account and ensure any adjustments are reflected on their account.

Students on leave of absence will be able to maintain access to the following StFX resources: email account, academic advising, financial aid, the StFX library.

Students may be contacted by the Dean’s Office if additional information is required to process a leave of absence request. Documentation is required if the leave of absence is for medical reasons, If the leave of absence is for medical reasons and the student is enrolled in the StFX Students’ Union Health Plan, coverage will continue until the end of the coverage period, August 31. 

Students on leave of absence for non-medical reasons will have the option to remain enrolled in the StFX Students’ Union Health Plan or receive a refund, if applicable, based on the effective date of the leave of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Julieanne Mattie (jmattie@stfx.ca)

The full leave of absence policy is located on the Registrar’s Office website. Students must submit the Return from Leave of Absence request form prior before the last day of the previous term.

To properly process a leave of absence request, the following offices will be notified:

  • Registrar’s Office
  • Business Office 
  • Residence Office
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Student Life Office
  • Students' Union
  • Library- Kris MacSween
  • Post Office
  • Safety & Security
  • Accessible Learning
  • Colin Rankin
  • Julianne Mattie
  • Margie MacKinnon
  • Scholarship Office
  • StFX Store
  • Student Life Office
  • Wade Ketchum
  • Academic Affairs Office

Why is it useful?

This service allows students to request a leave of absence for exceptional circumstances such as, family emergency, personal or family medical requirements, parental or care-giving responsibilities, required military service.

How do I access this service?

Click "Request a Leave of Absence" button to the right.

Who can access this service?

  • Students