Leave of Absence
In the event that a student cannot maintain continuous enrollment, the student may submit a request for a Leave of Absence (LOA) using the online Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form.
LOA Request: Leaves of absence are granted for reasons of health, academic reasons, or extenuating circumstances.
- Health: A leave of absence for health reasons requires validation of the health problem by a health practitioner. To return to the program, evidence must be furnished that the health problem is sufficiently resolved for the student to resume study.
- Academic Reasons: A leave of absence for academic reasons requires that the Program Director formulate conditions of the leave.
- Extenuating Circumstances: A leave of absence for other reasons will be individually evaluated by the Program Director.
- Students are required to discuss the proposed LOA with their academic advisor and Program Director. Together they will document the reasons for the LOA, date and conditions for return. This agreement will be signed by all three parties and sent to the Dean for their signature. A copy will be kept in the student’s permanent file. The student can then submit the online form. Once the request has been officially granted or denied, the student will be informed by OES of the decision.
- The student is responsible for contacting his/her academic advisor and the Program Director when returning from the LOA. All conditions outlined in the leave of absence agreement must be met and approved by the Program Director. A leave of absence does not extend the time to complete the program. Students should understand that failure to return on the agreed upon date could result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Students would need to request reinstatement in writing. Clinical placements are not guaranteed.
- Refer to the MGHIHP Catalog for policy governing length of LOA.
LOA Approval Procedure
- Students are required to discuss the proposed LOA with their academic advisor and Program Director. Together they will document the reasons for the LOA, date and conditions for return. This agreement will be signed by all three parties and sent to the Dean for her signature. A copy will be kept in the student’s permanent file. The student can then submit the online form. Once the request has been officially granted or denied, the student will be informed by OES of the decision.
Return from LOA
- The student is responsible for contacting his/her academic advisor and the Program Director when returning from the LOA. All conditions outlined in the leave of absence agreement must be met and approved by the Program Director. A leave of absence does not extend the time to complete the program. Students should understand that failure to return on the agreed upon date could result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Students would need to request reinstatement in writing. Clinical placements are not guaranteed.
Length of LOA
[Reviewed April 2019]