An official Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in a student’s program of study approved under specific federal guidelines. A student may request a LOA, and if approved by the school, may be allowed up to 180 days within any 12-month period. In order for the LOA to be approved, all federal and school policies must be followed. In order to be approved for a Leave of Absence, the student must follow the following policies.

1. Submit a request, in writing, to the Registrar. The request must include a detailed explanation for the reason for request. All requests must be signed and dated.
2. All LOAs must be applied for in advance of the interruption, unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so.
3. Student must provide reasonable expectation that he or she will return on the scheduled date.

Financial aid will not be disbursed to a student during a Leave of Absence. While on leave, students are still responsible for any tuition payment plan arrangements previously made. The student is still considered to be enrolled while on leave, and therefore will not be assessed additional charges upon return. If the student does not return from the LOA on the scheduled date, he or she will be considered withdrawn from school. The Veterans Administration must be notified immediately when a Veteran student is granted a Leave of Absence.