VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Administrative Leave of Absence An Administrative Leave of Absence is a school-mandated leave to address academic, professional, or technical deficiencies that do not exceed 180 days. The Promotion Board, Professional and Ethical Standards Board, or Honor Code Council may recommend an Administrative Leave of Absence for a student if they have academic, professionalism, or technical deficiencies not addressed by other types of leaves to the Campus Dean, who may grant or deny the LOA. Should the original request be planned for more than 180 days, the Campus Dean will consider it for a Temporary Administrative Withdrawal instead of an Administrative Leave of Absence. An Administrative Leave of Absence does not meet the requirements of an approved LOA for federal financial aid purposes; therefore, while a student’s status at VCOM may be that they are on an Administrative Leave of Absence, they will be treated as withdrawn from school for loan repayment purposes. Students who have not met the requirements to return to the academic program from an Administrative Leave of Absence within the timeline specified by the Campus Dean may be dismissed. Medical Leave of Absence A Medical Leave of Absence is a voluntary leave that is requested by a student to address medical or psychological issues that interfere with their health and/or success that does not exceed 180-days. A request for a Medical Leave of Absence requires supporting documentation from the student’s physician. While on Medical Leave of Absence, students are expected to receive appropriate care, resolve the issues that led to the leave, and develop new strategies through sustained therapy and/or meaningful work. An enrolled student whose medical condition requires absence from the curricular program for a period of less than 7 days may qualify for an approved excused absence, which is not considered a medical leave of absence, as long as it is determined by the Campus Dean that the missed coursework may be made up. See the section on excused absences for more information on policy and procedures to request an excused absence. An enrolled student whose medical condition requires absence from the curricular program for a period of more than 7 days must request and/or will be placed on a Medical Leave of Absence. A request for a Medical Leave of Absence that extends beyond 180-days within an academic year or 12-month period, will result in a temporary or permanent withdrawal if approved by the Campus Dean. Should the original request be planned for more than 180 days, the Campus Dean will consider it for a Medical Temporary or Permanent Withdrawal instead of a Medical Leave of Absence. Military Leave of Absence A Military Leave of Absence is a voluntary or involuntary leave requested by a student to meet military service requirements that does not exceed 180-days. Readmission is guaranteed pending proof of compliance with the minimal technical standards and the Honor Code of Conduct. The student will not be charged any additional tuition from their original obligation, regardless of having to complete additional coursework or repeat coursework to refresh knowledge and/or skills. A request for a Military Leave of Absence that extends beyond 180-days within an academic year, or 12-month period will result in a temporary or permanent withdrawal if approved by the Campus Dean. Should the original request be planned for more than 180 days, the Campus Dean will consider it for a Military Temporary or Permanent Withdrawal instead of a Military Leave of Absence.

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