Leave of Absence

• Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses
• Appeal Procedure

One approved Leave of Absence (LOA) will be considered within any twelve-month period commencing with the first day of the leave. The student having an approved leave of absence is eligible for an “In-University Deferment” to allow delayed payment of educational loans. A student who takes an unapproved leave of absence is not given an “In-University Deferment”. The student not returning on the specified termination date of the leave of absence will have lost the “In-University Deferment” status and the “Six Months Grace Period” would have begun retroactively from the first day of the leave of absence.

Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses

If convicted of any offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, a student’s eligibility for Title IV Financial Student Aid Program will be denied for:

• One year after the first conviction
• Two years after the second conviction
• Indefinitely after the third conviction

If convicted of any offense involving the sale of a controlled substance, a student’s eligibility for Title IV Financial Student Aid Program will be denied for:

• Two years following the first conviction.
• Indefinitely after the second conviction

Eligibility may be restored if the student partakes in an approved Federal Government Rehabilitation Program.

Appeal Procedure

Students who are denied financial aid may appeal the decision as follows:

• Submission of a written request for an interview with the Director of OSFA to review the awarding process.
• If not satisfied with the explanation, the student is referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs for review of appeal, outcome and or any additional referral.