VI. Key Recommendations for Behavioral Medicine and Counseling
This section of the guide is designed to provide counseling professionals who support students that are considering, taking or returning from a leave of absence with resources and guidance. It is a difficult decision for a student to make and requires thought, intention and commitment. Some students see their leave as an opportunity to engage in intensive care and treatment to build their wellness and resiliency. Other students use this time away to engage in meaningful work or life experiences to build skills and develop a greater purpose for returning to school. It is critical that students design their own leave of absence plan and commit to navigating their leave at their own PACE. To aid students, we recommend using the acronym PACE: People, Academics Skills, Care and Engagement to emphasize the critical domains of skills and strategies students may find helpful in building their wellness and resiliency to return. Key strategies to consider are on the following pages.
Leave Implementation Guide for Campus Leadership, Counseling, Staff, & Faculty: Supporting Students Taking a Leave of Absence • 14
