Leave of Absence
A leave of absence (LOA) may be granted in the cases of extenuating circumstances that may require students to interrupt their education. The LOA must be requested by the student and approved by the College in accordance with the College’s LOA Procedure.
Examples of extenuating circumstances that may qualify for LOA include:
- Military duty;
- Serious injury or illness of a student that prevents the student from attending school;
- Serious injury or illness of a family member that prevents the student from attending school;
- Death in the immediate family;
- Maternity;
- Jury duty; or
- Extenuating circumstances as approved by the Chancellor.
Effect of Leave of Absence on Student Financial Aid for Degree Programs
A leave of absence is not considered an official leave of absence under federal Title IV regulations. When a student takes an institutional LOA, the student will be considered ineligible for Title IV purposes. As a result, a return to Title IV calculation will be done and the student will be reported as less than half time enrolled. If a student had previous lenders, the time on a LOA will be counted against the six-month grace period for entering repayment on the federal financial aid loans (if applicable). The student will enter repayment, if the student does not return from leave within six months.
Leave of Absence Procedure
Students must submit a written request for a LOA to a Financial Aid representative. The Financial Aid representative will review the student’s eligibility for the LOA and ensure that all information and documentation has been provided.
There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the LOA in the period indicated, in order for a LOA to be granted. The student will be informed, in writing, of the decision to grant or deny the request for LOA by the Vice Chancellor of Student Services.
Prior to the beginning of the LOA, the student must meet with the Financial Aid Department to determine the financial aid implications of taking a LOA.
Students may not exceed 180 calendar days on LOA within a continuous 12-month period.
If an LOA occurs anytime during a module or course in progress, students may be required to retake those courses in their entirety. Students will receive a W grade for such module or courses.
Students will not be eligible for any financial aid while on LOA and may be required to complete additional financial aid documents.
Students who fail to return from LOA on the scheduled date may be dismissed from the program.
The Department of Veterans Affairs will be notified immediately if a Veterans Affairs student is granted a LOA.
Serious injury or illness:
- Student must provide medical documentation or attestation stating the student is unable to attend school and the date upon which the student is expected to return to school.
- Student must provide medical documentation or attestation stating that the student must be able to care for the family member and the date the student is expected to return to school.
Jury Duty: Students selected to serve on a jury are eligible to request a LOA. Students must provide official court documents stating the time of service required of the student prior to the LOA being granted.
Extenuating circumstances: Students encountering other extenuating circumstances not listed above may apply for a LOA by providing documentation of the circumstances. The determination of whether these circumstances are appropriate grounds for a LOA are at the discretion of the College.
The Practical Nursing program may deny LOA requests in the second term of the program at the discretion of the Dean of Nursing and the Campus Dean.
Upon the return of the student, schedules cannot be guaranteed and students may have to return to a different session based on course availability.