One of the guiding principles of the Supportive Leaves Policy is that “students have personal autonomy regarding their health and wellness and are encouraged to seek the help they may need” (I.A.3). As part of this respect for autonomy, students have the ability to request a Voluntary Leave of Absence, under either a Divisional process or through the Policy, at any time during the application of the Policy.   

If you have received a letter from the Vice-Provost, Students initiating a Leave, or informing you that they are considering imposing a Leave, you may wish to discuss your options for a Voluntary Leave with your Student Case Manager.  

Supportive Leaves must only be mandated in exceptional circumstances when there is significant concern that a student’s behaviour poses a risk of harm to other members of the University community, there is reason to believe that the behaviour is related to significant mental health or other similar issue, and all other accommodative measures have been exhausted.