Withdrawal/Leave of Absence

An official (voluntary) withdrawal occurs when a student notifies the university of his or her intent to withdraw by following the institution’s official withdrawal process.

An unofficial withdrawal is also a complete withdrawal where, unfortunately, the student either never attended or ceased to attend all classes without following the appropriate official withdrawal procedures. This situation may make it very difficult for the student to return to the school should they desire to do so at a later date. The unofficial withdrawal will be processed as an Administrative Withdrawal.

The university administration has the authority to withdraw a student from the university and to revoke that student’s registration at any time for the following reasons:
-Failure to comply with academic progress requirements (e.g. unsatisfactory class attendance, failure to meet academic probation requirements).
-Failure to pay university tuition and fees by the due date.
-Disciplinary suspension or dismissal for the remainder of an academic term or longer.
-Severe psychological or health problems such that the student cannot be permitted to continue in attendance.
-Other reasons deemed appropriate by the proper administrative officer.

A student may request or be required to take a leave of absence with the occurrence of a medical problem, substantial personal problem or as recommended by the Student Performance Committee. Students requesting a leave of absence must apply to the dean of TCOM. In the event of a medical problem, the request must be accompanied by a letter from the treating physician or a licensed professional describing the nature of the disability for which the leave is requested and the estimated length of time needed for recovery. After consultation with the student, the dean of TCOM will decide whether or not the leave will be granted and the conditions under which the student may return to school. Students must report to the Office of Student Affairs to obtain a Leave of Absence Form and complete it before they are officially placed on an approved leave.

Before a student may be readmitted, a written request for readmission must be submitted by the student to the dean of TCOM no later than 30 days prior to the start of classes. In the case of medical leave, a letter from the treating physician or a licensed professional must accompany the readmission request stating that the student has recovered from the disability for which the medical leave was granted and is able to participate in a full academic program. If the student is approved to return, a copy of the medical documentation must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

Students seeking leave of absence should obtain assistance with proper notifications from Student Affairs. A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence due to a medical or serious personal problem. Requests for leave of absence must be submitted in writing. Leave cannot be granted for reasons of poor academic standing. Requests for leave of absence submitted by a student on academic probation shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. A request for leave of absence due to medical reasons must be accompanied by documentation from a physician or licensed professional describing the nature of the disability and the estimated length of time for recovery. A request for leave of absence due to personal reasons may also require substantiating documentation. Prior to re-enrollment, the student must submit a written request for readmission to the Chair of PA Studies. The request for readmission must be accompanied by documentation (such as a letter from a physician) substantiating the student’s ability to participate fully in the academic program upon their return. The student may also be required to provide documentation reaffirming their compliance with the Health and Technical Standards of the program. Leave of absence cannot be approved for more than one calendar year.

A student seeking a leave of absence must first meet with the program chair. A student in good academic standing may request a leave of absence due to a medical or serious personal problem. Requests for leave of absence must be submitted in writing. Leave cannot be granted for reasons of poor academic standing. Requests for leave of absence submitted by a student on academic probation shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. A request for leave of absence due to medical reasons must be accompanied by documentation from a physician or licensed professional describing the nature of the disability and the estimated length of time for recovery. A request for leave of absence due to personal reasons may also require substantiating documentation. For more information on attendance policies, visit the policy website at https://app.unthsc.edu/policies.

If a situation arises where a student must set aside his/her graduate studies for a period of time, a leave of absence (LOA) may be requested. LOA may be requested for up to three semesters. If additional leave is needed, a new request must be submitted. The maximum amount of LOA is six semesters (two academic years). A student on LOA cannot receive funding as a graduate student. Graduate advisors will be notified of any change to the LOA. Toward the end of a period of approved LOA, the student must take steps to resume studies at the beginning of the next semester, extend the LOA, or withdraw from the UNTHSC-SPH.

To resume studies, the student obtains approval from the Academic Advisor /Major Professor and Department Chair. To extend the LOA, the student completes and submits a new LOA Request form. To withdraw from school, the student follows the normal procedures for withdrawal, including completion of the clearance process. Time taken for an approved LOA is not counted toward the course/degree completion time limits.

If a situation arises where a student must set aside his/her graduate studies for a period of time, a leave of absence (LOA) may be requested. LOA may be requested for up to three semesters. If additional leave is needed, a new request must be submitted. The maximum amount of LOA is six semesters (two academic years). A student on LOA cannot receive funding as a graduate student. Graduate advisors will be notified of any change to the LOA. Toward the end of a period of approved LOA, the student must take steps to resume studies at the beginning of the next semester, extend the LOA, or withdraw from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

To resume studies, the student obtains approval from the Academic Advisor /Major Professor and Department Chair. To extend the LOA, the student completes and submits a new LOA Request form. To withdraw from school, the student follows the normal procedures for withdrawal, including completion of the clearance process.

A student may request to take a leave of absence with the occurrence of a medical problem, substantial personal problem, or as recommended by the Student Performance Committee, with approval by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Students requesting a leave of absence must apply to the Dean of SCP and also notify the Office of the Registrar. In the event of a medical problem, the request must be accompanied by a letter from the treating physician or other licensed professional describing the nature of the medical need for which the leave is requested and the estimated length of time needed.  The letter must be dated within the past 30 days.  After consultation with the student, the Dean of SCP will determine whether or not the leave will be granted and the conditions under which the student may return to school. The Dean will transmit his/her decision to the student.  Students must report to the Office of Student Affairs to obtain a Leave of Absence Form and complete it before they are officially placed on an approved leave. A leave of absence may be requested for up to three semesters (one academic year).  Before a student may be readmitted, a written request for readmission must be submitted by the student to the Dean. In the case of medical leave, a letter from the treating physician or other licensed professional must accompany the readmission request stating that the student is able to participate in a full academic program.  A student who is seeking readmission following a recommendation by the Student Performance Committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs must submit evidence of compliance with any conditions for readmission to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.