Academic Leave of Absence
Students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment in their program of study. A leave of absence (LOA) may be granted for jury duty, military reasons, medical reasons, significant academic issues or other extenuating circumstance as approved by the Office of the Registrar. An official academic leave allows a temporary break from the University without going through a re-entry process.
A student must be in attendance for at least one semester (two 8-week sessions) to be eligible to request an LOA. An approved LOA cannot exceed more than 180 calendar days in a twelve-month period. The 12-month period begins on the first day of the student’s LOA. Students should speak with their Academic Advisor prior to any request for an LOA.
Students are responsible for obtaining approval of the leave of absence prior to reaching excessive absences of 14 calendar days from the last date of attendance/participation. All requests for an LOA must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Registrar explaining reason for leave, dates for which leave is needed, and include appropriate supporting documentation. Students may not be granted an LOA if they are not in good academic standing (not on disciplinary action, academic probation or academically dismissed from the University).
Students are expected to return within the specified time frame and attend by the end of the add period of the scheduled session. Students not in attendance by the end of add period will automatically be considered a withdrawal. This temporary academic leave status will not be reported to external agencies as it does not meet the requirements under the Federal Student Aid definition for term-based institutions.
Non-Degree Seeking students and international students with an F1 student visa are not eligible to take a Leave of Absence.