Leave of Absence

A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence due to occurrence of a medical problem, serious personal problem(s), or pregnancy. The APPC also can place a student on leave if deemed necessary to allow time for the student to take steps to be in compliance with program requirements as detailed above. A leave of absence will likely result in a delayed graduation. Due to the maximum allowable time to complete the program, a leave of absence can be no longer than 12 months cumulatively. The Program will consider an extension of the leave of absence due to extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Students requesting a leave of absence must apply in writing to the Program Director. In the event of a medical problem, the request should be accompanied by a letter from a healthcare provider describing the nature of the condition for which the leave is requested and the estimated length of time needed for recovery.

After consultation with the student, the Program Director will decide whether the leave is to be granted and the conditions under which the student may return to school. A student requesting a leave of absence during or at the end of the academic year must go through the following procedure:

1. Request in writing a leave of absence from the Program Director.
2. The student must personally meet with the Program Director to discuss the reason for the leave.
3. After consulting with the student, and upon approval of the leave, the Program Director will assist the student through the official exit procedure.
4. The Program Director will send an official letter to the student indicating the leave of absence has been approved, specifying the terms of the leave.
   1. The terms of the leave of absence will be determined by the Program Director and reviewed with the student, including the following elements:

1. Implications for resuming the curriculum (course requirements and sequencing issues)
2. Duration of the leave
3. Method for demonstrating academic readiness upon return to the Program
4. Method for demonstrating ability to meet the technical standards upon return to the Program
5. Need to repeat criminal background check and/or urine drug screen prior to return (at the student’s expense)
6. Curriculum or policy revisions to which the student will be subject upon return to the Program

The Program Director will also notify the Dean of the School of Health Sciences/Designee of the approved leave of absence. The official start date of the leave will be the original date of receipt of the student’s request. In the event the student is incapacitated and unable to initiate the request, the Program Director may facilitate this process. Should the leave require a formal withdrawal from the university; the Program Director will assist the student in complying with the requirements detailed in the Elon Student Handbook.

Any tuition reimbursement will be in accordance with the institution’s refund policy.