Academic Leave of Absence

Students are expected to complete the academic program according to the curriculum plan. Academic leave of absence (LOA) from the College may be granted for up to three consecutive semesters, once per program, for students in good academic and financial standing. (Refer to the Financial Aid Student Leave of Absence Policy.) Due to the nature of the clinical education offered at the college, the school will determine whether a leave will be granted and the duration and conditions of the leave based on individual circumstances. Coursework covered during most semesters is provided only once a year. Therefore, each request must be considered individually. Students must complete all course and program requirements to be eligible for program completion and graduation.

Students must request leave in writing from the dean or designee. The request must clearly explain the reasons for the LOA and the anticipated length of the LOA, not to exceed three consecutive semesters. It must also be signed and dated by the student. The student will receive notification within five business days if the leave is approved. If the leave is not approved, the student will receive notification within five business days, and there is no guarantee of automatic re-entry.

Requesting a leave of absence. The student will:

  1. Submit a written request to the dean or designee to include:
    a. Reason for the leave
    b. Anticipated duration
    c. Supporting documentation
  2. Refer to the Financial Aid Student Leave of Absence Policy
    a. Meet with the Financial Aid Counselor as needed
  3. Secure re-entry plan approval from the dean or designee
  4. If leave is approved, submit a completed Student Status Change Form to the Registrar
    a. Obtain signatures from the Dean, Registrar, Financial Aid Counselor, and Bursar

The school authorizes the following:

  1. Approval or Denial of the LOA
  2. Length of the LOA
  3. Conditions and Options for Re-Entry

The college reserves the right to require that a student take a leave of absence when their attendance poses a significant risk to themselves, patients, clinical preceptors, or other members of the college community. (Refer to the Technical Standards.)In the event of an involuntary LOA, the college will:

  1. Create an Involuntary LOA Packet that includes the following:
    a. Reason for the leave
    b. Anticipated duration
    c. Supporting documentation
    d. Re-entry plan
  2. Assure compliance with the Financial Aid Student Leave of Absence Policy
  3. Submit a completed Student Status Change Form to the Registrar
  4. Share the Involuntary LOA Packet with the student

Returning from Leave: Students must submit the Student Status Change form (with all required signatures) to the Registrar by May 1 for a fall semester return, October 1 for a spring semester return, or February 1 for a summer semester return. Before submitting the form, students must meet with the dean or designee to review the re-entry plan and document compliance. Students who meet the re-entry conditions and initiate the return by the deadlines will be reinstated into their academic program. Re-entry is not guaranteed if the deadline or conditions of re-entry are not met.

A student not enrolled for three consecutive semesters will automatically be withdrawn from the College after the add/drop period of the fourth semester. The student must apply to be considered for readmission.

Approved: _______________________________________________________________

Monika Bissell, DBA
President

 

Student Information

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Program of Study: __________________________________________________________________________

Semester/Year: ______________

Contact Information: ________________________________________________________________________ 

Leave Request Details

Type of Leave (check one):

☐ Medical

☐ Personal

☐ Military

☐ Other: ____________________________

☐ Family/Dependent Care

Anticipated Start Date: ____________________________

Anticipated Return Date: ___________________________

Supporting Documentation Attached (if required): ☐ Yes ☐ No

Impact on Enrollment

Courses currently enrolled in (list below):

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Clinical Placement: ☐ Yes ☐ No Site: __________________________

By signing this form, I acknowledge:

• I understand potential tuition/financial aid implications.

• I am aware of deadlines for submitting return paperwork.

• I am aware of program-specific guidelines for re-entry plans.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: __________

Acknowledgements

Advisor/Program Director: ____________________________________________________ Date: __________

Registrar: __________________________________________________________________ Date: __________

Bursar: __________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________

Financial Aid Counselor______________________________________________________ Date: ___________

ADA Coordinator (if applicable): ________________________________________________ Date: __________

Approval

Dean: _____________________________________________________________________ Date: __________

Date
Amended
March 2025