Leaves of Absence
Students who desire a personal leave of absence or medical leave of absence should submit their request in writing per the policy outlined below.
Leave of Absence – Academic
The PSPC can place a student on academic leave of absence. Only the PSPC can approve the return to registration from an academic leave of absence.
Leave of Absence – Disciplinary
Only the PSPC can place a student on a disciplinary leave of absence or approve the return of a student to registration from a disciplinary leave of absence.
Leave of Absence – Medical
The Program Director may approve a leave of absence of up to two weeks for compelling medical issues that are temporarily impeding a student’s academic progress. The Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC) will be notified that the leave of absence has been granted. If the leave extends for more than two weeks, the student must make a leave request to the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC). This should include documentation from a treating practitioner, a proposed return date and an academic plan and schedule. Medical requests must be verified by a PA, NP, MD, DO, or a mental health provider. Verification from a close relative or domestic partner will not be accepted. This must be approved by the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC). When a student wishes to return to registration after a medical leave of absence, he/she must submit a written request to the chair of the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC). Students returning must present an updated academic plan and documentation that their medical situation has resolved or is being appropriately addressed, and that they are fit to resume their medical studies (e.g., health care provider letter and/or cognitive testing results).
Leave of Absence – Personal
The Program Director may approve a leave of absence of up to two weeks for compelling personal issues that are temporarily impeding a student’s academic progress. The Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC) will be notified that the leave of absence has been granted. If the leave extends for more than two weeks, the student must submit a request for extension, which includes an academic plan and schedule, to the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC) for approval. When a student wishes to return to registration after a personal leave of absence, he/she must present an updated academic plan and may be required to make an appearance before the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee (PSPC).
Requests for leave will be considered on a case-by-case basis. An extended absence may require repeating a portion of a course, the entire year, or both years, depending on the individual educational situation. A leave of absence greater than two months may require reapplication to the School of Physician Assistant Studies.