Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Exemption from the Academic Leave of Absence Policy: Due to the demanding, fast-paced, and hands-on structure of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Program, the Maine College of Health Professions Academic Leave of Absence Policy is not applicable to the DMS students. This exemption ensures the maintenance of academic continuity, promotes student success, upholds patient safety, and complies with institutional and programmatic accreditation standards.
Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to outline the guidelines and procedures for students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program requesting a leave of absence (LOA) due to extenuating circumstances, ensuring academic continuity, student success, and compliance with institutional and program standards.
General Guidelines:
Eligibility:
- A leave of absence may be granted for extenuating circumstances such as medical leave, pregnancy, family emergencies, or other situations as deemed appropriate by the Program Director and Dean. An approved LOA may not exceed eight weeks.
Make-Up Requirements:
- Didactic: Students must make up any missed coursework as part of their LOA agreement. Coursework may be made up:
- Before the absence: If feasible and appropriate for the time in the program (i.e., curriculum pacing, instructor availability), agreed upon by the course instructor, and approved in advance.
- After the absence: Up to eight weeks beyond the semester the absence is requested.
- Clinical: Students must make up any missed clinical time as part of their LOA agreement. Clinical hours may be made up:
- Before the absence: If feasible and appropriate for the time in the program (i.e., clinical competency requirements, etc.), agreed by the clinical site, and approved in advance.
- After the absence: Up to eight weeks beyond the semester the absence is requested.
- Coursework and clinical rotations completed before and after their regular schedule must align with the academic and accreditation standards of the program.
- Students who require additional time beyond the approved extension period will receive a failing grade for the course(s) that is/are incomplete and will be withdrawn from the program; they may restart the program the following fall.
- Didactic: Students must make up any missed coursework as part of their LOA agreement. Coursework may be made up:
Extended Absence:
- If the required clinical hours and/or didactic work cannot be completed within the approved extension, the student will be withdrawn from the program and may restart the program the following fall.
Program Continuation:
- Students leaving for or returning from a planned or unplanned leave of absence (LOA) within the approved timeframe must successfully complete all program requirements. Refer to the Procedure for Requesting a Leave of Absence below.
- What is required to successfully continue in the program will be outlined based on the LOA circumstance and will be discussed when developing a plan during the Procedure for Requesting a Leave of Absence.
Program Re-Entry:
- Students who exit the program because their leave of absence extended past the approved extension are eligible to restart the program the following fall.
Attendance Expectations: Students are expected to adhere to the attendance guidelines outlined in the Medical Imaging Clinical Attendance Policy.
Procedure for Requesting a Leave of Absence:
- Submit a written request to the Program Director and Dean, including:
- Reason for the leave.
- Anticipated duration.
- Supporting documentation.
- Develop a plan to make up program requirements.
- Obtain written approval for the LOA.
Approved:______________________________________________________________________
Monika Bissell, DBA
President