1) How do I tell friends that I'm taking time off?
We view how and what you talk to your friends about regarding your decision to take time off as a personal and private matter. However, we encourage undergraduates to talk to their masters, or some member of your college’s support team, to let them know what’s going on and so you can keep in touch. Graduate students often consult with their faculty advisor and department coordinator.
2) Who should I talk to if I have to/think I should take time off for medical-related reasons?
To learn more about the process, you are encouraged to talk to someone in the student development and retention office. This will help you learn about the steps involved in leaving and those required when you are feeling better and want to return. Please contact Student Retention.
3) Does taking time off mean I’ll have to reapply to Rice?
Taking time off from Rice does not mean you need to apply for readmission again. We want to see you back at Rice when you are feeling better. It means that you will need to take care of yourself while you are away, seek help from a professional, have a demonstrated period of stability (usually at least 6 months), and you follow the process to return outlined in your letter you’ll receive from the dean of undergraduates and the medical readmission checklist (form can be found in the "Taking Time Off from Rice" section).
4) Will I receive a tuition refund if I take a medical withdrawal or leave?
Based on the tuition remission schedule on the academic calendar, students who withdraw in the first 2 weeks of the semester are not charged tuition or fees for that semester. Students who withdraw in the 3rd week must pay all fees and 30 percent of the semester tuition, receiving a 70 percent tuition refund. The amount of the tuition refund drops by 10 percent at the beginning of each successive week that passes before withdrawal until the 9th week, after which no refund is applied.
5) Who should I talk to when I decide that I’m going to take time off?
Who and how much you tell about your decision to take time off from Rice is up to you. However, leaving entirely without explanation may actually bring more attention to your absence and may make coming back feel more difficult. Consider talking with people you think will be affected by your absence, and/or who could help explain to others why you’re gone, such as close friends or college masters or a faculty advisor. This also includes any extracurricular activities, jobs on campus, or other areas of involvement in which you currently hold an important position. There are other people you may need to talk to for logistical reasons, including:
For more advice on transitioning smoothly, consider talking with someone who’s helped others successfully take time off from Rice, and can provide you with the tools and insights to figure out what to do next.
Some Rice offices you may want to consult with during your time off, include:
Rice Counseling Center
Phone: 713-348-4867
Services available for students:
• Consultations about recommendations during your time away from Rice
• Referrals to local, off-campus mental health providers
Office of Academic Advising (for undergraduates)
Phone: 713-348-4060
Email: aadv@rice.edu
Website: http://www.rice.edu/advising
Services available for students:
• Consultation about your academic progress towards your degree
• Available academic resources and opportunities through collaborative offices
• Academic planning process required for readmission process
6) Can I visit campus while I'm away from Rice?
You are still a member of the Rice community, but your time away is meant to be just that - a time period in which you are focusing on your concerns while giving yourself a break from campus. You should use the time away to address your concerns and prepare yourself to return. However, we encourage you to contact offices on campus if you have questions during your time away.
We also expect that you be informed about the guidelines outlined in the general announcements for students during a separation period and that you follow these expectations.
7) How do I demonstrate that I’m ready to come back?
Taking care of yourself and engaging in treatment with a professional clinician should be your top priority during your time off. If and when you feel like you’re ready to come back, start your planning process to return as soon as you are able to do so. Undergraduates should review their letter from the Dean of Undergraduates about the process to return, consult the readmission checklist (form can be found in the "Taking Time Off from Rice" section above), and if you have questions about the process please contact Student Development and Retention. Graduate students should contact Student Development and Retention and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.