Leave of Absence

Requesting a Leave of Absence

The University recognizes there are situations when a student may require a leave of absence (LOA). Such leaves are granted for a maximum of one academic year with the exception of leaves granted for military service. The student must meet to consult with their Academic Dean or designee regarding the reason(s) for considering, and the ramifications of, taking a leave of absence. After the initial meeting with the Academic Dean or designee, the student must return the completed Leave of Absence form within 1 week (or 5 business days). Students who take a leave after the designated add/drop period will receive course grade(s) of W. *For information on a Health/Medical Leave of Absence, please see the Health/Medical Leave of Absence section in the University Catalog.

Steps:

1. Meet with your Academic Dean or designee regarding the reason(s) for considering, and the programmatic ramifications (progression, academic standing, etc.) of, taking a leave of absence. If you are considering a leave for medical reasons, you will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs for additional requirements.

2. Meet with:

• Student Financial Services- Please visit SFS to review your personal financial situation with MCPHS in order to make an informed decision about tuition, scholarships, billing and potential aid.
• (F1 Visa students)- Please visit IISS to be informed about your personal visa status and any federal requirements or guidelines that must be followed.

3. Review the progress of your request to the following offices prior to being processed by the Office of the Registrar: (you may review this progress in the Student Success Hub)

• Academic Dean or designee
• Student Financial Services
• Immigration Services (International students with F-1/J-1I020 visa status)

4. Watch your MCPHS email inbox for an email from the Academic Dean or designee within 1 week (or 5 business days of the online form submission) with finalized LOA requirements.

5. Vacate & Empty:
Within 24 hours of receipt of the Academic Dean/designee's email of LOA requirements you:

• Must vacate the residence hall and turn in your keys and ID
• Must empty your locker

Return from Leave of Absence

Students returning from a leave of absence must confirm they are returning to MCPHS with their Academic Dean or designee prior by completing the Intent to Return from Leave of Absence form. This form may only be filled out after your LOA request is processed by the Office of the Registrar prior to the following dates:

• March 1 – for a summer or fall semester return
• October 1 – for a spring semester return
• Online students – 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester

Extension of Leave of Absence

If students wish to request to extend their Leave of Absence they should submit the Intent to Return from Leave of Absence form and choose “I wish to extend my leave.” Extensions are approved by the Academic Dean or designee.

Students on leave of absence are not eligible for University services, with the exception of academic advising and immigration services for F-1 students. Students who intend to return from an LOA must also review and adhere to applicable school/program-specific policies in addition to the general policy outlined in the university catalog. Students who fail to return within the designated time must reapply for admission.