On rare occasion, it may be necessary for a student to temporarily step away from their studies. There are several different types of extended absence requests a student may make. Please refer to the Extended Absence policy in the University Catalog for additional information regarding the different kinds of leave, including the criteria for each.

Leave of Absence

1. A student may request a leave of absence from the School of PA Studies for extenuating personal or medical reasons for a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 180 days. A LOA may not be requested for academic reasons.
2. The request must be made in writing to the SPAS Program Director using the Application for Leave or Withdraw form located on the portal.
3. The SPAS Program Director will discuss the request with the Director of Didactic or Clinical Faculty and the student's academic advisor as appropriate. If it is determined that the leave should be granted, an action plan will be developed for the student’s return and the plan will be reviewed with the student. 
4. If a leave of absence is granted during the didactic phase, the student will not be permitted to complete any coursework for the remainder of the didactic phase and must restart with the next cohort. If the start date for the next cohort is greater than 180 days from the time of the request, the student may be required to withdraw from the program and return with the next cohort.
5. If a leave of absence is granted during the clinical phase, the Asst Director of Clinical Education and/or Asst Director of Clinical Development will meet with the SPAS Director to develop an action plan for the student’s return. The action plan may address such issues as when the student may return, rotation sequencing, delayed graduation dates, incomplete grades, completion of clinical phase courses, or other relevant information. A student may be placed on involuntary Leave of Absence during the clinical phase for failure to report to an assigned clinical rotation per the Academic Performance and Progression Policy.
6. All action plans are approved in advance by the SPAS Program Director and signed by the Program Director and the student.
7. The SPAS Program Director will notify appropriate University officials of the student’s status.
8. A student who fails to meet the terms of the leave of absence action plan may be dismissed from the school. In these situations, the Student Progress Committee would convene to review the student’s performance and make a recommendation concerning the student’s continuation in the school.
9. During a LOA, the student is not covered under University malpractice or liability insurance policy.

Refer to the Extended Absence policy in the University Catalog for additional information regarding the different kinds of leave.