Requesting a Leave of Absence for Extended Breaks in PhD Programs at Top US Universities
PhD programs at esteemed institutions like MIT and Harvard typically center around intense research and study. While brief breaks like a semester for personal issues are generally acceptable, extended absences of months or even a year can pose significant challenges. This article explores the implications of requesting such a leave and the policies in place at top US universities.
Understanding the "Leave of Absence"
The concept of a Leave of Absence (LOA) is a formal request to take time off from your PhD studies. Each university and department has unique policies, but the general guidelines are aligned with professional employment situations. An LOA is more likely to be granted for compelling reasons such as physical or mental health issues, family emergencies, or the birth of a child. It is less likely to be approved for personal vacations or other non-work-related reasons.
The Reality of PhD Life
Firstly, it's crucial to consider whether an extended break of months or even a year is meaningful within the context of your PhD. Mental and physical health concerns can necessitate an extended break, and it is essential to prioritize these issues over academic progress. For instance, if you are battling a treatable illness like cancer or experiencing severe anxiety or depression, it is often advisable to take the time needed to address these issues rather than pushing through without resolution.
On the other hand, if you are part of a high-pressure research team contributing to a larger, funded project, an extended break can have significant repercussions. For example, if you are part of a team researching protein binding in telomeres (like your PhD topic) and this work is vital to the larger NIH-funded chromosome separation project, taking a break could disrupt the timeline and require other team members to step in, potentially rendering your original project moot. In such cases, the project and its time constraints cannot accommodate a lengthy break, and the team might not be able to 'return' to the original path.
Time-Insensitive Projects and Flexibility
Not all PhD projects are under such time pressure. For projects like long-term observational studies in the humanities or natural sciences, the data collection process can be more flexible. For example, if you are studying cetacean movements off the Alaska coast, your project is part of a broader study, and your role is more about data acquisition techniques. In these cases, an extended absence might be more permissible, especially if your supervisor/advisor is willing to accommodate it due to funding constraints.
Similarly, if your research involves visiting an archive in Naples, the funding for your program might be time-sensitive. If the funding for next year is not guaranteed, even an LOA for this year might not be feasible. In such scenarios, it is crucial to communicate with your advisor and also consider the funding implications.
Some projects are so time-insensitive or original that a temporary break for personal reasons could be acceptable, provided it does not negatively impact the research. This is especially true if your supervisor or advisor is not concerned about their career progression or if they are supportive of your personal needs. Remember that there is always another partner in the PhD 'marriage,' and their perspectives and needs should also be considered.
Conclusion: Prioritize Well-being and Flexibility
While a PhD is a valuable academic achievement, it is not worth jeopardizing your health or well-being, or the success of your research, to obtain it. If you need to take a break, whether it is for an extended period or not, do so. It's essential to evaluate the situation and make a decision that best serves your personal and professional goals. If the circumstances change, come back when you are in a more propitious state. In the worst-case scenario, be prepared to relinquish the opportunity and reassess when the situation improves.