Leave of Absence Policy
LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY:
If a student desires to interrupt the defined program of study for at least one academic semester, then s/he must request an Institutional leave of absence. It is the student's responsibility to complete a "Withdrawal/Leave of Absence" form and obtain the necessary approvals. Forms must be signed and dated when submitted. Students are allowed a maximum of one year of leave. If a student requires more than one year of leave, they must submit a new request for leave of absence for approval once the previous leave has expired.
The "Withdrawal/Leave of Absence" form must be submitted before the first week of classes, or the student will be responsible for a percentage of the cost of his/her tuition, according to the current Institute "Tuition Refund" schedule. Mere absence from classes does not reduce a student's financial obligation or guarantee that a final grade will not be recorded.
GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS
With the goal of providing more support for both students and program leaders, we have expanded the process for requesting a leave of absence. Existing Institute policy allows students to request a leave of absence to interrupt their program of study for at least one semester.
For leave of absence requests, students will arrange to meet with their Faculty Advisor, Assistant Dean for Student Success (SHRS or SON) or Program Chair (CIPSI HPED), The Financial Aid Office, and The Bursar's Office to ensure they understand the implications of the request, the resources available, and the process of returning, should it be granted.
Requests for a leave of absence are forwarded to academic program leaders for review and decision making. In their decision whether to grant a leave of absence, academic program leaders consider the student’s individual circumstances and the program’s ability to accommodate the student’s return.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT A LEAVE OF ABSENCE
If approved, the student's official record will be coded as an Institutional Leave of Absence by the Registrar with the date it begins (Date that the form was submitted), as well as the expected date of return.
Six weeks prior to the expiration of the Leave of Absence as approved, you will be notified to complete the Return from Leave of Absence Form. This form is used to help you prepare for return to your studies.
If the student fails to return or to request an extension of the Institutional Leave of Absence at the conclusion of the approved Institutional Leave of Absence, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the Institute and the record will be marked as such. The withdrawal date is defined as the last day the student attended classes.
An Institutional Leave of Absence does constitute a withdrawal for financial aid purposes and the financial aid refund policy would apply.