VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

o Academic Leave of Absence Students requesting an Academic Leave of Absence from the Campus Dean must provide the appropriate documentation that provides evidence of participation/enrollment in research, an externship, or a degree-granting program outside of VCOM. o Medical Leave of Absence Students requesting a Medical Leave of Absence from the Campus Dean must provide the appropriate medical documentation, including but not limited to, a letter from the treating physician clearly stating the nature of the medical condition and reason(s) it requires a leave of absence. The Campus Dean may require additional information from the treating physician to determine the appropriate timeframe for return. The Campus Dean reserves the right to require a second opinion to confirm that a medical condition exists that requires a Medical Leave of Absence, or if the Campus Dean believes a second opinion is warranted for any other reason. o Military Leave of Absence Students requesting a Military Leave of Absence from the Campus Dean must provide the appropriate documentation that provides evidence of military service requirements for the request. The Campus Dean may require additional information prior to or throughout the leave. o Personal Leave of Absence Students requesting a Personal Leave of Absence from the Campus Dean must provide the appropriate documentation that describes the need for an LOA and provides evidence of the reason for the request. The Campus Dean may require additional information prior to or throughout the leave. Students must meet with the Campus Dean and Associate Dean for Student Affairs to discuss the reasons for requesting leave, goals for the leave, and the impact the leave may have on progress towards the degree. The Campus Dean may approve the leave with conditions or deny the leave. If the Campus Dean decides that a leave of absence is appropriate, the decision and the conditions for re-enrollment and resumption of studies will be communicated in writing by the Campus Dean to the student. Conditions may include such things as the successful completion of coursework (new or incomplete), involvement in community service or an internship, the submission of evidence that the factors that necessitated the leave have been addressed, or other requirements deemed appropriate by the Campus Dean. Once an LOA has been approved by the Campus Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs will file a Change of Status Form, which is signed by the student, noting the type of leave and the length of time the student anticipates being away with the understanding that the timetable could change. A student on an LOA no longer attends classes, participates in college programs, or uses College facilities, and may be entitled to refunds of tuition and fees. While away, students are encouraged to maintain ties to the College community by staying connected with their friends, faculty, staff, and administration. Students may undertake short visits to campus as long as they notify the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in advance. Any student on an LOA who visits campus is considered a “guest” of their hosts and is not eligible for college services that are designed for enrolled students. A student who cannot complete a course due to taking an LOA will have “WD” (Withdrawn) recorded for the courses they are enrolled in and have not completed at the time of the leave.

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