Leave of Absence (LOA) Guide

Need to take a break? We understand! Life happens. This guide will walk you through our LOA Policy.

How to Apply for an LOA

When Do You Need to Apply?

This is based on your inactivity time:

iC (Honourables 5iC+): Please apply after 5 days of inactivity.

OOA/Trial iC (Dark Enchanters+): Please apply after 10 days of inactivity.

All Other Members: Please apply after 20 days of inactivity.

Understanding the LOA Tiers

Tier 1: Emergency Leave

This is for urgent, unplanned situations. Examples include (you don’t need to disclose which):

  • Personal or family illness/injury
  • Mental Health Crisis (Personal or Family)
  • Emergency childcare/dependants
  • Natural Disaster
  • Urgent Home or Life Disruption

 

Key Things to Know:

  • It’s auto-approved.
  • Just let OOTP know as soon as you can.
  • Max 20 days before extension via tier 3. 
  • Limited to 2 uses every 6 months.

This is for things you know about ahead of time. Examples include:

  • Holidays and Annual leave
  • Exams or study leave
  • Medical procedures (scheduled)
  • Religious Holidays or Observances
  • Moving house
  • Weddings/ Christenings

 

Key Things to Know:

  • Please apply at least 3 days in advance.
  • Max 30 days before extension via tier 3.

Need a bit more time on your current LOA? This is the tier you’ll use.

Key Things to Know:

  • This is for members who need more time after their LOA ends.
  • You must provide a valid reason for the extension.
  • Max extension: 30 days (for a total of 60 days per LOA).
  • You can use 2 extensions per year.
  • Important: Anything beyond this limit will be considered a resignation/ retirement (if applicable) or a Hiatus (5iC+).

Helpful Reminders for Your LOA

Hiatus Policy (for 5iC+)

Hiatus is a different option for our 5iC+ members who need a very long break (up to 180 days). This means temporarily stepping down from your rank and responsibilities.

Eligibility & Duration

Who is eligible?

  • You must be 5iC or higher.
  • You have served the Ministry for at least 2 full months (LOA time nto counted).
  • You must not have any active strikes or warnings in the past 2 months.
  • Must have completed EP quota and submited tasks for at least 2 months (Exceptions can be made by OOTP).

 

Duration & Limits:

  • A hiatus can be granted for up to 180 days (6 months).
  • This is the max limit; it cannot be stacked with an LOA or extended.
  • After returning, you must wait 2 months before applying for an LOA.

Before you go:

  • You must notify the command team of all your departments.

 

While you are away:

  • Your access will be suspended (Discord roles, badge access, document permissions).
  • You are completely exempt from all activity and station requirements. Enjoy your break!

We’ll be excited to have you back! As long as you return on time, you will not be demoted.

Important Note on Position:.

  • If you are in OOTP or a Foundation Rep, you are not guaranteed your exact position back, but you are guaranteed a 1iC rank.
  • If you are a Command iC of any department, your position will be revoked and given to another elective as seen fit by the respective department overseers.
  • All hiatus requests are carefully reviewed by Foundation and the Hiatus Overseer (currently the Arch Order).
  • If the Arch Order applies for hiatus, Foundation will make the final decision.
  • Hiatus is a tool to help members, not a way to avoid disciplinary action. Please use it honestly.
  • Abusing this system may result in demotion or removal.
  • If you fail to return on your approved date without prior discussion, your position may be forfeited. Please keep in communication!