VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

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 A student who cannot complete a course due to taking an LOA will have “WD” (Withdrawn) recorded for the courses they are enrolled in and have not completed at the time of the leave. 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

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