Strong advisor-advisee relationships are cornerstones of successful graduate education. They are vital to students’ and faculty members’ scholarly and professional development and to the intellectual excellence and vitality of any program. Learn more about academic support here.
Friends are often the first to notice that a student might be experiencing significant distress. You may be concerned that a friend or acquaintance is acting strangely or seems depressed, but it may not be clear how you might be helpful. Another student may have also brought a concern to you about someone he or she knows. This page summarizes resources available to you and all students in the Brown community.
The Brown University Short-Term Loan Program is a zero interest loan made available to students to assist in emergencies. This fund has historically supported students experiencing cash-flow related situations where a buffer is needed immediately. After a request is approved, students must sign a Promissory Note/Acknowledgement and funds must be repaid according to those terms.
The School of Professional Studies has established emergency funding for master’s students who find themselves with an urgent, unexpected financial need. The application can be found in UFunds, under “SPS E-Gap Fund for Master's and Professional Student”
Emergency support may come in the form of a cash payment (typically capped at $500), meal credits, or other support as available and appropriate. We give emergency funding requests the fullest consideration that our available resources will permit. Students can expect to receive a response to their application within 2-3 business days. Questions may be directed to egap-spsfunds@brown.edu.
Students can learn about payment options and Installment Payment Plans on the website of the Bursar’s Office.
During your time at Brown, you may need to request a leave of absence. There are many reasons a student may consider taking a leave of absence. To discuss options, master’s students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. Students should also connect with their academic departments, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Office of International Students and Scholars as needed.
Leaves of absence are generally granted for up to one year (one or two semesters and a summer term). Students on a medical leave may request to return from leave after one full semester.
Students on a leave of absence are not considered active students so this may have significant implications for student loans as well as visas for international students. Students on a leave are not permitted to utilize campus resources or hold student employment positions.
Additional details on Leaves of Absence can be found in the Graduate School Handbook.
Non-Medical Leaves of Absence (Personal, Professional Development, Family Leave)
Applications for leaves of absence should be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the semester in which the leave is to be taken. Students experiencing an urgent matter may request a medical or personal leave at any time. Students without an approved leave of absence will still be considered active and will be billed for tuition.
To initiate a non-medical leave of absence, students should:
Students wishing to return from a non-medical leave of absence should reach out to their Director of Graduate Study.
Medical Leaves of Absence
Students who must interrupt their study due to an illness or injury may consider a medical leave of absence. A medical leave of absence is intended to provide students with time to focus on their health and recover. Students considering a medical leave should consult with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to discuss their options.
Medical Leave Process:
What is food insecurity? Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation or can last a long time
How does Brown support master’s students experiencing food insecurity?
The School of Professional Studies understands that an unexpected emergency can cause significant stress and uncertainty, impacting your academic success and personal well-being. Master's students who experience financial hardship as a result of an unanticipated event are encouraged to connect with Student Affairs staff in the School of Professional Studies to determine their eligibility for the Emergency Hardship Fund. Student Affairs Staff can also provide guidance and advice in navigating available resources and making referrals to appropriate offices.
The Emergency Hardship Fund may cover the following:
Please be aware that Emergency Hardship Funding is limited and is based on financial need; some requests may be granted through this resource. Emergency Hardship Funding grant amounts vary, and funding priority is based on the urgency of the situation, level of hardship, and the student's overall financial situation. Emergency Hardship Funding typically provides awards up to a maximum of $500 per academic year.Students can review eligibility requirements and the award process in UFunds, in the SPS E-Gap Fund for Master's and Professional Students.