VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

In some cases, a student on an LOA may ask that the leave be extended further within the same academic year, may ask to extend their leave into the next academic year through application for temporary withdrawal, may request a permanent withdrawal, or may apply for reenrollment sooner than anticipated. The maximum time a student may be granted an LOA is 180 days within an academic year. Leaves that extend beyond 180-days will be considered for a temporary or permanent withdrawal. Requesting to Return to the Academic Program from An Approved Leave of Absence A student on an approved LOA will not be re-enrolled or permitted to resume their studies until the Campus Dean makes a fact-specific assessment of the circumstances and concludes that the circumstances that brought about the leave no longer exists or that the situation can be mediated by reasonable modification or accommodation. Because every student’s situation is different, the Campus Dean evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis. The Campus Dean looks for honest, self-reflective responses, evidence of substantive work, and indications that students are ready to return. When considering the student’s request to return from an LOA, the Campus Dean may require a second opinion or may ask for additional information. The College is not obliged to approve a student’s request to return from an LOA. Students who have not satisfactorily met the conditions set forth by the Campus Dean, Provost, Promotion Board, and/or Professional and Ethical Standards Board, are not permitted to return and may be dismissed by the Campus Dean. Students on an approved LOA who wish to re-enroll must submit a written request to the Campus Dean. The request must include: • A short (2-4 page) explanation of why the LOA was required, a summary of things accomplished or conditions resolved during the LOA, an explanation of why they believe they are ready to return, and the requested date of return to the academic program. • Required additional documentation: o Academic Leave of Absence Proof of successful completion of the program/activity (i.e. transcript, proof of research activity, completion certificate, etc.). If courses are in progress or if an official transcript is not yet available, an unofficial transcript may be sufficient for the re-enrollment process; however, an official transcript must be submitted when available. The Campus Dean may require additional information as deemed appropriate. o Administrative Leave of Absence Proof of satisfactorily meeting the conditions set forth by the Campus Dean, Provost, Promotion Board, and/or Professional and Ethical Standards Board. Students must submit the appropriate evidence of meeting these conditions. The Campus Dean may require additional information as deemed appropriate. o Medical Leave of Absence Proof that the precipitating condition has been resolved or managed successfully. The Campus Dean will require information from the treating physician and any additional therapists attesting to the readiness of the student to successfully resume studies without restriction and to with the ability to meet the Technical Standards for Admission and Continued Enrollment. In making an informed decision to allow a student to resume the student’s studies, the Campus Dean will consider germane medical and other information available, including information provided in a timely

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