A student experiencing difficulties – personal, medical, or financial – that are affecting their ability to study may wish to suspend their studies for a period of time. The Student Handbook advises any student who is considering suspending their studies to discuss this option with their Subject Director.
Students wishing to suspend their studies must put their request in writing using the Suspension of Study form, and your tutee may seek your assistance in completing this form. In advising your tutee on this matter, you should inform them that any request to suspend studies must be accompanied by suitable supporting evidence – e.g. medical evidence. You should also be aware that each stage of the programme must be completed within 3 years, including any period of suspension of study, so you should take this into account in discussions with the student.
If you do not feel able to offer your tutee appropriate guidance on the issue of suspending their studies, you should refer your student to the Subject Director.