Leave of Absence from NTU: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction
A leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary break from your studies at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It can be taken for various reasons, such as medical or personal emergencies, military service, or pursuing other opportunities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of LOAs at NTU, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the benefits and challenges involved.

Reasons for Taking an LOA

NTU allows students to take LOAs for a range of reasons, including:

1. Medical or Personal Emergencies:
- Serious illness or injury
- Death or incapacitation of a close family member
- Psychological distress

2. Military Service:
- National Service (for Singaporean/PR males)
- Overseas Deployment (for staff and faculty)

3. Pursuing Other Opportunities:
- Overseas internship or study program
- Part-time work or full-time employment
- Volunteering or humanitarian aid work

Eligibility Criteria

1. Undergraduate Students:
- Must have been enrolled at NTU for at least one semester
- Must have a valid reason for taking an LOA
- Must be in good academic standing (e.g., not on probation)

2. Graduate Students:
- Similar requirements as undergraduate students
- Must have the approval of their supervisor

Application Procedures

To apply for an LOA, students must submit the following documents to the Office of Admissions and Alumni Relations (OAAR):

1. Application Form:
- Available online
- State the reason and duration of the LOA

2. Supporting Documentation:
- Medical certificate (for medical reasons)
- Death certificate (for bereavement)
- Letter from employer or program organizer (for other opportunities)

3. Transcript:
- For undergraduate students applying to take an LOA before graduation

Processing Time:
- Applications are typically processed within 2 weeks.
- Students will be notified of the decision via email.

Duration of an LOA

The duration of an LOA can vary depending on the reason for taking it.

1. Undergraduate Students:
- Medical Reasons: Up to 2 semesters per request
- Other Reasons: Up to 1 semester per request

2. Graduate Students:
- Medical Reasons: Up to 1 year per request
- Other Reasons: Up to 6 months per request

Benefits of Taking an LOA

Taking an LOA can provide students with several benefits, including:

1. Time to Address Personal or Medical Issues:
- Gives students the opportunity to focus on their well-being or resolve pressing life events.

2. Gain Work or Overseas Experience:
- Allows students to enhance their skills and resume through internships, employment, or international programs.

3. Return and Resume Studies with a Fresh Perspective:
- A break from studies can help students recharge and return with renewed motivation and focus.

Challenges of Taking an LOA

While LOAs can be beneficial, they can also present some challenges:

1. Lost Academic Progress:
- Students may experience a loss of academic momentum and struggle to catch up upon their return.

2. Financial Implications:
- LOAs may affect eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
- Students may need to take additional time to complete their studies, leading to increased tuition costs.

3. Social Disruption:
- Students may miss out on social activities and connections with their peers.

Tips and Tricks for Taking an LOA

To make the LOA process as smooth as possible, consider the following tips:

1. Seek Academic Advice:
- Consult with your faculty advisor or program director to discuss the impact of an LOA on your academic progress.

2. Plan Ahead:
- Start the application process well in advance to avoid any delays.
- Inform instructors and classmates about your planned absence.

3. Stay Connected:
- Keep in touch with NTU while on LOA to stay informed about important updates.
- Attend online events or connect with classmates via social media.

Stories and Lessons Learned

1. Student with Medical Emergency:
- A student who experienced a car accident took an LOA to recover from injuries.
- Lesson: LOAs can provide much-needed time to prioritize health and well-being.

2. Student Interning Overseas:
- A student took an LOA to complete a prestigious internship in Silicon Valley.
- Lesson: LOAs can open doors to valuable opportunities and enhance career prospects.

3. Student Taking Time Off for Military Service:
- A student who was called up for National Service completed his military duty during an LOA.
- Lesson: LOAs can accommodate important life events and allow students to fulfill their obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I extend my LOA?
- Yes, extensions may be granted if additional documentation is provided to support the need.

2. Will my scholarship or financial aid be paused during an LOA?
- This depends on the specific scholarship or financial aid program. Students are advised to contact the relevant office for clarification.

3. Will my LOA affect my graduation date?
- Yes, LOAs may delay your graduation date by the duration of the break.

4. Can I re-enroll after taking an LOA?
- Yes, students who have taken an LOA are typically eligible to re-enroll at NTU once their LOA has ended.

5. What should I do if I am struggling after returning from an LOA?
- Seek support from university resources such as the Academic Success Centre or Counseling Centre.
- Consider connecting with a Peer Support Group (PSG) or Peer Learning Programme (PLP).

6. Can I take an LOA multiple times?
- Yes, but multiple LOAs may require special approval and can impact your academic progress.

Conclusion

Taking a leave of absence from NTU can be a valuable tool for students seeking to address personal or medical emergencies, pursue other opportunities, or gain additional experience. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential benefits and challenges involved. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and support resources available, students can make informed decisions and navigate the LOA process successfully.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Summary of LOA Eligibility Criteria

Table 2: Statistics on LOAs Taken by NTU Students

Table 3: Contact Information for LOA Support