Leave of Absence Policy
If a student desires to interrupt the defined program of study for at least one academic semester, then s/he must request a leave of absence. It is the student's responsibility to complete a "Withdrawal/Leave of Absence" form and obtain the necessary signatures. Students are allowed a maximum of one year of leave. Beyond one year, the student must submit a petition to return approved by the advisor and the Program Director to the Office of Student Affairs.
The Leave of Absence/Withdrawal form must be submitted before the first week of classes, or the student will be responsible for a percentage of the cost of his/her tuition, according to the current Institute "Tuition Refund" schedule. Mere absence from classes does not reduce a student's financial obligation or guarantee that a final grade will not be recorded.
If approved, the student's official record will be coded as Leave of Absence by the Registrar with the date it begins, as well as the expected date of return. Note: If all courses are dropped when taking a leave of absence, the student will be considered withdrawn for the semester. If the student fails to return or to request an extension of the Leave of Absence from the Institute at the conclusion of the Leave of Absence, the student is considered to have withdrawn from the Institute and the record will be marked as such. The withdrawal date is defined as the last day the student attended classes. If applicable, the student's lender will be notified of the withdrawal date.