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This is a function of the Registrar’s Office. The purpose of this policy is to establish the definition, policy and process for students requesting a Leave of Absence at Ponce Health Sciences university.
Scope
This policy applies to all students at PHSU. Authority to review and approve a leave of absence is held with the Registrar, Financial Aid Director/Manager, and Chancellor.
Definitions
Leave of Absence: an authorized temporary interruption of a student’s program of
studies due to documented extenuating personal circumstances or medical reasons.
Policy
A student must request from the Registrar’s office an LOA at least 30 days prior to the LOA commencement date, unless medical circumstances require immediate authorization (e.g., automobile accident). A personal or medical leave may be authorized when a student is experiencing compelling personal or medical circumstances that are temporarily affecting his/her academic progress. The student must submit a physician’s note certifying the medical problem or reason. The total time of leave cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period. A student who fails to return after an authorized LOA will be academically withdrawn and a R2T4 calculation will be performed and subsequently an exit counseling instructional letter will be sent to the student.
FA Applicability
The student on an approved leave of absence will be eligible for an “In-School Deferment” for delaying payment of educational loans. A student who takes an unapproved leave of absence is not given an “In-School Deferment”. The student that does not return on the specified termination date of the absence period, will lose the “In- School Deferment” status and the six month “grace period” will begin retroactively as of the original first day of the leave of absence. In addition, a USDE Title IV refund calculation will be performed, and any required funds will be returned to the federal government by the institution and/or the student.
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