The course of study and graduate student stipend are based on a 12-month commitment. It is expected that students will take no more than two weeks of vacation, in addition to University holidays each year. Note that breaks in course work (Fall or Spring break, Christmas/New Year’s, beyond the official university holiday days, summers) are not holidays for graduate students. First- year students are required to schedule any absences with the DGS and the faculty member in whose lab they are working. Unscheduled absences or excessive vacation time will result in a stipend reduction and/or possible suspension from the Program.
In the event that the student needs to take a leave of absence, a personal leave of absence form must be filled out.