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NCKU Implements New Menstrual Leave Policy to Support Student Well-being
Written by NCKU News Center. Image credit to NCKU The Office of Student Affairs.
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has introduced a new menstrual leave policy effective today (April 30) to support students’ physical and mental well-being and promote a friendly campus environment. The new policy allows students to take menstrual leave twice per month, with one day granted each time, providing greater flexibility for rest and adjustment when needed.
Student Association President Shou-Heng Chiang , who proposed the initiative, noted that the university responded promptly and continued to advance the proposal, demonstrating a high level of respect and inclusiveness toward student opinions. He expressed confidence that such constructive interactions will encourage students to participate more actively in public affairs and help drive positive institutional change on campus.
The policy originated from a “Meet the President” forum held at the end of last year (2024), where Shou-Heng Chiang, a third-year interdisciplinary student, and Ya-Chun Hsu, Deputy Director of the Student Rights Division and a third-year political science student, jointly proposed extending menstrual leave. They observed that many female students experience discomfort during menstruation, which affects their academic performance and daily life.
President Meng-Ru Shen, a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, responded positively at the forum and supported the proposal, instructing the Office of Student Affairs to develop the new policy. From a medical perspective, he explained the impact of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea on women’s learning and work, emphasizing that such experiences are often difficult for men to fully understand. He also noted that in traditional patriarchal societies, women’s bodily experiences were often overlooked, and he welcomed the growing willingness of students to advocate for gender-friendly policies.
The Office of Student Affairs announced the policy in a campus-wide email today, stating that the new menstrual leave system takes immediate effect. Given that a typical menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, female students experiencing discomfort during their menstrual period may apply for leave. Under the new policy, students may take up to two days of menstrual leave per month, with one day granted per request. Applications should follow the university’s leave system and regulations.
Dean of Student Affairs Liang-Yi Hung stated that the policy was initiated following the president’s directive at last year’s forum and has now been officially implemented, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing student needs and safeguarding student rights.
NCKU calls on faculty members to respect and support this policy, working together to create a more inclusive, understanding, and healthy campus environment.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-05-01
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has introduced a new menstrual leave policy effective today (April 30) to support students’ physical and mental well-being and promote a friendly campus environment. The new policy allows students to take menstrual leave twice per month, with one day granted each time, providing greater flexibility for rest and adjustment when needed.
Student Association President Shou-Heng Chiang , who proposed the initiative, noted that the university responded promptly and continued to advance the proposal, demonstrating a high level of respect and inclusiveness toward student opinions. He expressed confidence that such constructive interactions will encourage students to participate more actively in public affairs and help drive positive institutional change on campus.
The policy originated from a “Meet the President” forum held at the end of last year (2024), where Shou-Heng Chiang, a third-year interdisciplinary student, and Ya-Chun Hsu, Deputy Director of the Student Rights Division and a third-year political science student, jointly proposed extending menstrual leave. They observed that many female students experience discomfort during menstruation, which affects their academic performance and daily life.
President Meng-Ru Shen, a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, responded positively at the forum and supported the proposal, instructing the Office of Student Affairs to develop the new policy. From a medical perspective, he explained the impact of menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea on women’s learning and work, emphasizing that such experiences are often difficult for men to fully understand. He also noted that in traditional patriarchal societies, women’s bodily experiences were often overlooked, and he welcomed the growing willingness of students to advocate for gender-friendly policies.
The Office of Student Affairs announced the policy in a campus-wide email today, stating that the new menstrual leave system takes immediate effect. Given that a typical menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, female students experiencing discomfort during their menstrual period may apply for leave. Under the new policy, students may take up to two days of menstrual leave per month, with one day granted per request. Applications should follow the university’s leave system and regulations.
Dean of Student Affairs Liang-Yi Hung stated that the policy was initiated following the president’s directive at last year’s forum and has now been officially implemented, reflecting the university’s commitment to addressing student needs and safeguarding student rights.
NCKU calls on faculty members to respect and support this policy, working together to create a more inclusive, understanding, and healthy campus environment.
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-05-01
NCKU Implements New Menstrual Leave Policy: up to two times per month, with each application limited to one day as a general principle to Support Student Well-being.
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