SHSP Policy on Leave of Absences

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for students who wish to take a Leave of Absence (“LOA”) from the New York Medical College (“NYMC” or the “College”) School of Health Sciences and Practice (“SHSP”).

II. POLICY

It is the policy of the NYMC SHSP that students may be allowed an LOA of up to one (1) year following the semester of last attendance in all SHSP programs.

III. SCOPE

This policy applies to all SHSP students.

IV. PROCEDURES

A.  A student who wishes to take an LOA should discuss this decision with his/her department chair/division chief, and fully understand the effects of the LOA on such areas as financial aid, visa status, etc.  To officially initiate the request for an LOA, the student must complete and sign the first part of the Student Status Change Form.
 
B.  The appropriate department chair/division chief and the Vice Dean must approve all LOA requests for matriculated students, as well as verify the student’s last date of attendance/participation in classes by completing and signing the remaining parts of the Student Status Change Form.

1. The student’s academic record and tuition charges for the semester will be adjusted as per College policies.

2. Students receiving Title IV financial aid may need to return funds to the government, in compliance with the Title IV refund policy.

C.  Students in their first semester who have not registered for classes should request a deferred admission instead of an LOA.
 
D.  A students cannot be on an LOA during the semester preceding graduation.
 
E.  A particular LOA period may be extended up to one (1) year for extenuating circumstances of illness or personal hardship.
 
F.  Periods of academically-approved LOA’s are excluded from the maximum time to degree allowed by each program.
 
G.  A student who has not been enrolled for more than one (1) year, except as noted above, will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn and must reapply.  This involves submission of all documents and payment of fees required for admission.

V. EFFECTIVE DATE

This policy is effective immediately.

VI. POLICY MANAGEMENT

Executive Stakeholder:  Dean, School of Health Sciences and Practice
Oversight Office:  Dean’s Office, School of Health Sciences and Practice