Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy

I. Purpose
The University Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Policy is implemented to assure appropriate evaluation and adequate monitoring of students being placed on a leave of absence or withdrawing from the University. Adherence to the policy is necessary to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to maintain the academic integrity of University programs.

II. Entities Affected
Students; academic departments and associated governing bodies; Registrar; Financial Aid Office; Business Office; Student Housing; Security.

III. Related Documents
Federal Student Aid Handbook; Student Policy Handbook; Student Housing Contract; University Student Handbook; College/School Handbooks; Course Catalogs.

IV. Policy
A leave of absence is a temporary interruption of academic progress, granted for up to one year at a time, which does not compromise academic objectives determined by the academic program. Any withdrawal or leave of absence must be approved by the appropriate granting authority.

V. Definitions

1. A Leave of Absence is defined as any period of time in which a student is not registered for courses and, by this action, may delay his/her expected advancement to the next year and/or expected graduation date.
2. A Withdrawal is defined as the status a student enters if he/she ceases enrollment at the University.

VI. Granting/Approval Authority
A dean or department chair of each academic program is designated as the granting authority for leave of absence and withdrawal determinations.

VII. Procedure

1. Approval for a leave of absence or withdrawal requires the following:
   1. The student must submit the request, including reason for the request, in writing to the appropriate granting authority.
   2. A leave of absence must have both a start date and an end date.
   3. A leave of absence cannot be granted retroactively to prior quarters.
   4. The student must obtain clearance from student service departments (Financial Aid Office, Student Housing, Business Office) before granting authority can authorize final approval. This requirement may be waived only if the granting authority determines waiving this requirement is in the best interest of the student.
   5. A student on a leave of absence is defined as being in good academic standing with the University.

Unauthorized leave of absence or failure to return from a leave will result in an administrative withdrawal of the student.