Published on Ruderman Family Foundation in January 2021. Read original report here.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause an unprecedented level of strain on students’ mental health, Boston University (BU) and the Ruderman Family Foundation today released a first-of-its-kind set of manuals to establish best practices for college campus leave of absence policies. Commissioned by the Boston-based Foundation from BU’s Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, the manuals include “Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for College Students” and “Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for Campus Leadership, Faculty, & Staff.”

The student guide aims to help those who have experienced an interruption to their postsecondary education or who are considering a leave of absence make an informed decision about taking a leave; manage and build their collegiate resilience during a leave; and navigate the process of re-entry effectively and healthily. It offers tools and strategies to navigate what can be a daunting process, as well as inspirational student vignettes to support and empower students with the wisdom of peers who have gone through the same experiences.