Extending a Leave of Absence
A request to extend a leave of absence requires that a new written request be submitted to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and the Chair of the MSEPC stipulating the reason for the extension, the additional amount of leave time requested, the amended proposed date of return, and the intent to return to the SOM to complete the M.D. degree. Once the Associate Dean of Student Affairs has signed off on the extension, the request should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar no later than the first Friday of the semester for which the extension is being requested.
Parental Leave and Accommodations
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM) is committed to supporting all students (male and female) who have children during medical school and to working with such students to facilitate the completion of their medical education. UTRGV SOM also complies with federal and state law regarding accommodations during and after pregnancy. Our goal is to accommodate the immediate perinatal period and all of its demands on parent and newborn while providing a realistic option for the student to continue making progress toward completion of the MD degree. Students are not required to take parental leave. However, if they choose to do so, the School of Medicine (SOM) permits parental leaves (birth or adoptive) up to 12 months. Medically necessary extensions of parental leave will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Ref. Pol. # EAA017
Procedures for Requesting Parental Accommodations or Leave
Medical Students
When requesting a parental leave of absence, early communication and good-faith efforts among all parties involved are essential to ensure the least impact on a student’s education. Because the structure and demands of the medical education program vary throughout the four-year curriculum, the approach to parental leave accommodation will differ depending on the year of the program in which the parental leave and birth or adoption occur. Regardless of the timing, a detailed plan must be developed by the student in close collaboration with the SOM Office of Student Affairs. The plan must receive written approval from the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Guidance regarding each portion of the curriculum is below.
Year 1 & 2: A student who wishes to request parental leave during the first two years of medical school should consult with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to request a leave of absence. Due to the nature of the medical education program, depending on the time of year and the length of the leave, leaves of absence may require a student to take a full year of leave and return the following year. Students must complete all coursework and the Step 1 exam before beginning clerkships for 3rd year.
Year 3: A student who seeks parental leave during the 3rd year should contact the Office of Student Affairs and coordinate with the Assistant Dean for Clerkships. A parental leave of absence in Year 3 is less likely to obligate a 12-month leave. Working with the Assistant Dean for Clerkships, the student may resume clerkships at a mutually agreed upon time. The plan for time away from clerkships should be completed and approved by all parties at least 3 months before the start of the leave.
Year 4: A student seeking parental leave should work closely with the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to schedule the leave. The plan should be completed and approved by all parties at least 3 months before the start of the leave.
Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows
Financial Aid
Any student taking a leave of absence who receives financial aid is strongly encouraged to contact the Associate Director of Financial Aid within the Office of Student Affairs for advice regarding the leave’s effect on the receipt of aid.
Student Disability Services
Medical students who experience medical complications related to pregnancy and wish to explore disability accommodations should contact the UTRGV Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office or the SOM Office of Student Affairs. We strongly recommend that students consult their health care team regarding any concerns or restrictions due to pregnancy.
Student Accessibility Services Office Contact Information
| UTRGV - Edinburg |
UTRGV - Brownsville |
| 1201 West University Drive |
One West University Blvd. |
| University Center 108 |
Cortez Hall 129 |
| Edinburg, TX 78539 |
Brownsville, TX 78520 |
| Phone: (956) 665-7005 |
Phone: (956) 882-7374 |
| Fax: (956) 665-3840 |
Fax: (956) 882-7861 |
Email: SAS@utrgv.edu
Website: Student Accessibility Services |
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