Gwynedd Mercy University
AY2020-2021 Graduate Academic Catalog
discretion of the Dean of the School , but more than one leave is not normally granted . This is a program leave of absence and is not to be considered a leave of absence from the University . Students who are not enrolled in courses for a semester will be reported to the National Student Clearinghouse as withdrawn .
Leave of Absence Policy- The School of Graduate and Professional Studies
The School of Graduate & Professional Studies requires students to attend all classes and to fully participate in online classes . The Federal government has determined that 45 days or more is a break in attendance and will affect the student ’ s success in completing program as outlined in course schedule . All breaks in attendance must have an approved Leave of Absence ( LOA ) or student will be administratively withdrawn from program . The Leave request will inform the University how long the student will be out of attendance and the reason .
LOA request forms must be submitted within 10 days of the student ’ s Last Date of Attendance ( LDA ). All parts to the LOA request form must be completed in order for the LOA to be considered for approval by the Financial Aid office . Students can take a maximum of 120 days in one LOA with a total maximum of 180 days in a 12 month period . LOA requests will be denied if the break is under 45 days or if the student has exceeded 180 days . The twelve-month period begins with the start of the first leave . Student returning from a first leave of absence must complete at least one course , with a grade other than “ W ” or “ I ” prior to requesting a second leave . If the LOA is not completed or approved , the student will be withdrawn from the program and may be required to re-apply for admission . If program withdrawal paperwork is not completed by student , then student will be withdrawn from program by their advisor .
Students out of attendance for 14 days but fewer than 45 days must submit their scheduled reentry date in writing . Planned LOA a . LOA requests must be completed and submitted prior to student ’ s Last Date of Attendance ( LDA ). b . For students out of attendance 45 days or more , a course withdrawal request becomes a Leave of Absence ( LOA ) request and it must be approved or denied based on LOA criteria . c . All parts to the LOA request must be completed in order for Academic Advisor to review LOA . These include the student ’ s LDA , Scheduled Reentry Date , Reason , and Signature . d . Students who do not provide a reentry date within the prescribed timeframe will be withdrawn from the program . e . If submitted after LDA , it will be reviewed using unforeseen circumstance criteria , which is indicated on the Leave of Absence Request form . Proof of unforeseen circumstance is required . f . LOA will be denied if over 180 days .
Unplanned LOA a . Students must complete LOA request and submit documentation . b . LOA requests approved for unforeseen circumstances will be evaluated to determine if course is dropped or withdrawn . If dropped , the course will be removed from the transcript and all charges to be removed from student ’ s account . If withdrawn , the course will remain on the transcript with a “ W ” grade and charges will be assessed based on the refund policy .
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