In certain circumstances, graduate students may need to request a leave of absence from their duties. This leave can apply to UF academics and/or GA employment, depending on the needs of the student. To initiate a leave of absence request, currently enrolled students should refer to the procedure outlined in the COP Graduate Program Handbook.
Paid Personal Leave Days
Graduate assistants are entitled to five days of paid personal leave per semester. These days may not be used in increments of less than one day, and personal leave days do not accrue or roll over to the next term. More information about personal leave for graduate assistants can be found in the GAU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Personal leave should be coordinated with the faculty supervisor and is not reported through the HR employee leave request process.
Paid Family or Medical Leave
Graduate assistants may be eligible for up to eight (8) weeks of paid family leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons:
- The birth of a child and in order to care for that child within one year of birth;
- The placement of a child with the graduate assistant for adoption or foster care within one year of birth;
- The birth of a child through surrogacy and in order to care for that child within one year of birth;
- The serious health condition of an immediate family member; or
- A serious health condition of the graduate assistant which makes the graduate assistant unable to perform their duties.
The GA should provide written notice of the planned leave at least 30 days in advance, if possible. During leave, the GA’s healthcare coverage will remain in place, and if applicable, the tuition waiver shall also be maintained.
In the event that both parents are graduate assistants, both are entitled to the eight (8) weeks of Paid Family Leave following the birth, foster care placement, or adoption of a child. If both parents work in the same department, their leave may not overlap.
Unpaid Research or Personal Leave
Graduate assistants may request a leave of absence to pursue research related to their academic program or to attend to personal matters. The leave of absence must be approved by the faculty advisor and home department prior to the student taking leave. If circumstances require additional leave for longer than the originally agreed upon dates, the student must discuss this change with the faculty advisor and submit an updated request form. During leave, the GA’s healthcare coverage will remain in place. If applicable, the tuition waiver shall also be maintained.
Leave Request Process
To request a leave of absence, currently enrolled graduate students should review the full policy in the COP Graduate Program Handbook and submit a GA Leave Request through the Grad Program Canvas site. Any questions about this process can be directed to the Office of Graduate Education at GraduateStudents@cop.ufl.edu.