Obviating the stigma associated with taking a leave is a more difficult
challenge, but one that must be addressed. An important step requires
communicating to our students that taking time to take care of oneself, including
a leave related to mental health, is a means to the successful completion
of a degree and not a barrier to degree completion. This work will
require continued collaboration by and between the schools, CAPS, SIS,
and other campus offices. It also was suggested that having alumni, faculty,
and staff who have taken leaves at some point during their academic
career talk about their experiences would help normalize the practice. In
addition, the work of ensuring that students’ transition at the start and end
of a leave of absence is as smooth as possible will help affirm the University’s
commitment to supporting its students who take a leave of absence.