Leave of Absence Policy Survey Results

25 students were surveyed regarding their experiences with taking a leave of absence at Harvard.




Most frequently used words in survey responses related to Harvard's work requirement. 

44% of students said that taking a Leave of Absence impacted their House Life. Some specific responses were:

"I became invisible"

"I became non-existent post-leave of absence"

"I saw it as a means to an end, somewhere to sleep, no longer as a community"

To improve the experience of students taking a Leave of Absence, Harvard university should:

(1) Develop a website dedicated to Leave of Absences, including Frequently Asked Questions section and links to additional student support systems. Harvard could use Princeton's Leave of Absence website as a template/model.



(2) Further study existing Leave of Absence policies and the impacts of these policies, by directly surveying and interviewing students who have taken time off. 

(3) Reexamine the work requirement policy, especially reasons for its implementation, since data shows it proves beneficial for some students, but detrimental to others.

(4) In order to promote fairness in reintegration, develop a consistent University wide system for welcoming student back across all houses. Have Faculty Deans reach out to students returning to campus, to improve reintegration into House Life.