Students with graduate assistantships are expected to continue with their research during academic breaks (including summer months) with the exception of official university holidays. Paid time off for personal business or vacations generally is not included as part of a graduate's financial support.
A supported graduate student who wants to take a short break (one or two weeks) must get approval for that break from his/her advisor and, if required by the terms of the student's support package, must make up the work. Supported graduate students wishing to take longer periods of personal time off must do so without financial support and must receive approval from their advisor at least three weeks prior to the requested time off. The advisor will notify the Department's Business Office of any such arrangements so that an appropriate adjustment in the student's stipend/support package can be processed.