Doctoral programs require full-time academic engagement, as is standard for all rigorous educational pursuits. Consistent and meaningful progress takes sustained focus on research while balancing a reasonable amount of personal time that supports, rather than disrupts, scholarly work.
Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisor about lab expectations before joining a lab and well in advance of requesting time off.
Graduate students are expected to schedule vacation or personal time off during academic breaks (i.e., Winter and Spring Break) in accordance with the University’s Academic Calendar. All time off requests, regardless of when they occur during the year, require written approval from the student’s thesis advisor, supervisor, or their designee. Students must submit time-off requests to their advisor or supervisor at least two weeks in advance. When exceptional circumstances prevent timely notification, requests should be made as soon as practicable. Unapproved absences may result in disciplinary action.
Advisor Authority
Thesis advisors exercise their judgment and discretion to steward lab resources and student progress. Thesis advisors have full authority to approve or deny requests based on the needs of the research, lab operations, and the student’s progress. Vacation request is not guaranteed approval, especially outside of academic breaks. Advisors may deny requests deemed excessive, disruptive, or detrimental to the lab’s productivity or research objectives and the student’s academic progress.
For students who have not formally joined a research lab (typically students in their 1st year), the program chair and administrator serve as default advisors, and all time off requests require their prior written approval to maintain good academic standing.
Students experiencing issues or seeking clarification regarding the vacation policy are advised to speak with their program chair or the Dean of Students Office for guidance and support.
Additional Policies by Role:
- Students enrolled in courses are not permitted to take vacation during academic quarters in which they are registered for classes. Exceptions may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances, provided the absence is very brief and advance written approval is obtained from both the course instructor and the relevant program chair.
- Students serving as teaching assistants (TAs) are not permitted to take vacation during academic quarters in which they are actively teaching. Exceptions may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances. For brief personal time off during these quarters, TAs must obtain advanced written approval from their academic supervisor(s), including the course instructor, and ensure arrangements are made for teaching coverage.
Students needing extended time away from their academic responsibilities are strongly encouraged to consult with their program administrator regarding formal leave of absence options, which may provide a more suitable arrangement for addressing prolonged personal obligations. Complete details regarding leave of absence are available in the BSD Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy