Policy on Leaves of Absence

Requests for a leave of absence will be considered individually by the Vice Dean for Student Affairs or designee.

1. A leave of absence ordinarily will be granted to students in good standing.
2. When a leave of absence is granted during the course of an academic period, all coursework in the period during which the leave is begun must be repeated.
3. If a student has a grade less than Pass in any course, he/she will not be considered in good standing.
4. A request for a leave of absence by a student who is not in good standing is subject to review by the Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee (SEPC).
5. At the time the student initiates the request for a leave, the course directors will ascertain the student’s academic performance to that point in each course underway and grade the student’s performance to date. This information will be used to determine whether or not the student is in good standing and what conditions should be imposed on the leave.
6. In the event conditions are imposed on the leave, the SEPC will review the student’s record before he or she is permitted to return from the leave.

Leaves of Absence will not interfere with the requirements that:

1. Students must be eligible to begin their junior year no more than three years after matriculation.
2. Students must graduate within no more than six years after matriculation, with the exception of MD/PhD students
3. Students may appeal to the SEPC to request a waiver of these policies or re-consideration of denials of leave of absence. Refer to Policy on Advancement and Appeals for further information.