VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Students must meet with the Campus Dean and Associate Dean for Student Affairs to discuss the reasons for requesting a temporary withdrawal, goals for the temporary withdrawal, and the impact the temporary withdrawal may have on progress towards the degree. The Campus Dean may approve the temporary withdrawal with conditions or deny the temporary withdrawal. If the Campus Dean decides that a temporary withdrawal 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. Students who do not comply with the requirements of the temporary withdrawal are subject to dismissal by the Campus Dean. Once a temporary withdrawal 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 temporary withdrawal and the length of time the student anticipates being away with the understanding that the timetable could change. To be deemed withdrawn in good standing, the student must be in good academic standing, complete all paperwork, return all VCOM issued items, and follow all VCOM procedures and any conditions set forth by the Campus Dean during the withdrawal process. In the OMS 3 and 4 years, a Temporary Withdrawal requires an Altered Degree Plan of Study (ADPOS), which outlines the altered curricular program timeline for the student. The Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs will design the ADPOS for OMS 3 students and the Associate Dean for OMS 4 and GME will design the ADPOS for OMS 4 students with final approval by the Campus Dean. Depending upon the length of the approved temporary withdrawal, graduation may be delayed. A student whose Altered Degree Plan of Study extends their graduation beyond June 30 th is not eligible to participate in the residency match for that academic year, according to National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and will be required to find a placement outside of the match or participate in the match of the following academic year. A student on a temporary withdrawal 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 a temporary withdrawal 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 a temporary withdrawal will have “WD” (Withdrawn) recorded for the courses they are enrolled in and have not completed at the time of the temporary withdrawal. In some cases, a student on a temporary withdrawal may ask that the temporary withdrawal be extended, may request a permanent withdrawal, or may apply for reenrollment sooner than anticipated. Students requesting a temporary withdrawal must be aware that VCOM’s accrediting body, the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), requires students to complete all requirements for the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree within six years of matriculation. Requesting a Permanent Withdrawal A student must request a permanent withdrawal, in writing, from the Campus Dean for approval. Because every student’s situation is different, the Campus Dean evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis. The Campus Dean has the sole authority to grant or deny the Permanent Withdrawal.

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