Leaves of Absence

Policy:Leaves of Absence
Effective Date:August 1st, 2024
Revised Date:July 1st, 2024
Review Date:August 2029

Policy and Procedure Statements

Preamble.  The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Midwifery Program (BMw) and its Internationally Educated Midwives Bridging Program (IEMBP) are jointly referred to as “UBC Midwifery” or the “Program”. UBC Midwifery follows all UBC regulatory requirements and applicable UBC policies. 

Background. A leave of absence may be granted for a maximum of one academic year. Leaves may be granted due to parental leave, illness or compassionate/personal reasons.  Poor academic standing will not be considered as a valid reason for a leave.   

Leaves of absence are not recommended during the Program’s final year because of the need for continuity between MIDW 420 and MIDW 440 (Clerkship).  

Policy

  • Students wishing to interrupt their studies must submit a written leave of absence request, no later than May 1 for Winter term 1, September 1 for Winter term 2, January 1 for Summer term.  This written notice must be submitted to the UBC Midwifery Student Services Manager & Advisor for approval at the Midwifery Student Services Committee (“MSSC”).  
  • To return to the Midwifery Program, students must submit a written request for reinstatement no later May 1 for Winter term 1, September 1 for Winter term 2, January 1 of summer term.  This written notice must be submitted to the UBC Midwifery Student Services Manager & Advisor for approval at the MSSC.  
  •  Any student who takes a leave of absence during a clinical term except MIDW 200 is highly recommended to participate in a Return to Practice placement (MIDW 499).  The length of time required for the MIDW 499 Return to Practice will be determined by the MSSC in discussion with the Course Lead and student returning to clinical.  All tuition costs for MIDW 499 will be the responsibility of the student. To maintain leave of absence status, and not be discontinued from the Program, students may not attend any other faculty or institution during the period in which the leave of absence is in effect. 
  • A maximum of two leaves of absence during the student’s time of study is allowed, however, it may not be taken in consecutive years.     

Procedure:   

Application for Leave of Absence: 

The student submits a written request to the Midwifery Student Services Manager & Advisor. The letter should include the following: 

  • Length of the leave request (provisional dates). 
  • The reason for the request. 
  • A plan for resuming studies at the end of the leave period. 
  • If the request for leave is due to medical reasons, a letter from the student’s physician must accompany the leave request. 
  • To return to the Program after an approved medical leave of absence, the student must provide a medical certificate stating that they can resume their studies, including the ability to participate in clinical activities. 

If the leave of absence is approved, the students will receive a letter from the MSSC that will include: 

  • The conditions of the leave. 
  • The duration of the leave. 
  • A deadline by which time the student must make contact, in writing, with the Student Services Manager & Advisor stating their intention to return. 
  • An orientation plan for re-entry. 
  • Student’s Responsibilities during a Leave of Absence and upon return to the Program: 
  • A student on leave must contact the Student Services Manager & Advisor by the specified date outlined in the Policy above.   
  • Students must re-apply to the University before December 15 (the admissions deadline) to be admitted back into the Program. Failure to do so could affect a student’s ability to register for courses at the appropriate time. 
  • Returning students may be required to participate in additional education or clinical practice to meet the competencies required for entry to their next course. There may be additional student expenses associated with this experience such as travel and accommodation.  All additional costs are the responsibility of the student. 

*Students need to confirm with Student Health Services (SHS) that all vaccinations and boosters are current and up to date prior to their return to full-time study. 

Non-Compliance with the Leave of Absence Policy: Failure to meet the above deadlines will result in a delay in reinstatement and could jeopardize the students’ time to completion.