Leave of Absence

A student is expected to remain continuously enrolled while pursuing their degree. Continuously enrolled is defined by course enrollment in Fall, Spring and Summer courses or on a leave of absence for one semester; however, a student may find it necessary to discontinue the pursuit of academic endeavors either for one semester or permanently for a variety of reasons. A student who takes a leave of absence for one semester is considered to be on a SPN. A leave of absence is called SPN in the Student Information System.

Voluntary SPN

Voluntary SPN is granted only when the student is in Good Academic Standing with the School. A student is in good standing if he/she is meeting Academic Progression and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Refer to ACA 2.02 Academic Progression and ADM 2.06 Satisfactory Academic Progress policies for specific information. To apply for a SPN, the student must submit the SPN form to the Director of Records and Registration prior to the end of the Add/Drop Period.

Involuntary SPN

The Administration of the School may place a student on Involuntary SPN prior to the end of the add/drop period, if an academic course required for progression is not offered or the student demonstrates behavior that is a concern to:

  • The physical well-being of faculty, students, and/or staff.
  • Campus safety, security, and/or property.

Lack of communication or academic

Active Duty Military SPN

A student who is placed on active duty for two weeks or more will be placed on military SPN. Students must submit documentation/orders regarding the return to active duty to the Director of Records and Registration. Students placed on active duty military SPN will receive a grade of “WA” (withdrawal administrative) and students should reference ADM 5.01 Financial Refund and ADM 4.07 for Establishing Principles of Excellence — Military policies and federal code 34 CFR 674.59.

  • When the student is ready to return from leave, he/she must contact the Director of Records and Registration to arrange for re-entry.
  • The student is eligible for reinstatement to the School without requalification for admission if the student provides an intent to return form to the institution no later than one (1) year after the completion of the period of service.

Guidelines for Voluntary and Involuntary SPN

  • There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the SPN for a SPN to be granted.
  • While on SPN, the student may not enroll in any other College or University.
  • A student on an approved SPN is considered affiliated with the School but on a one (1) semester leave of absence.
  • If you do not contact the School after one (1) semester of SPN you will be Administratively Withdrawn effective the date the student began the SPN.
  • If a student desires to extend a SPN, the student must request the extension. Any granted extension will not be for longer than a period of one year from the time the student originally began the SPN. The maximum length of time allowed for a SPN is two (2) consecutive semesters after which the student must apply for readmission in accordance with ACA 2.04 Re-Admissions.
  • Students are required to contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine what, if any, impacts to Financial Aid including, but not limited to, Title IV will result.
  • Students may return from SPN at the beginning of a semester (defined as May, August and January). When the student is ready to return from the SPN he/she must contact the Director of Records and Registration to arrange for re-entry. There is no guarantee that a seat will be available in the class in which the student wants to return.
  • It is the responsibility of the student who is on SPN to meet with his/her advisor during the semester prior to returning to the program to develop a plan for their return.

Permanent Resignation

A completed Request for Permanent Resignation from the School form must be submitted to the Director of Records and Registration.

School Initiated Permanent Resignation

The School reserves the right to resign students from the School because of poor academic performance and unsatisfactory conduct. Examples include but are not limited to:

  • Academic failure (refer to ACA 2.02 Academic Progression)
  • Failure to adhere to School policy.
  • Failure to meet Essential Technical Standards for Medical Imaging Students (refer to ACA 1.02 Essential Technical Standards for SOMI Students)

A student placed on a leave of absence or who resigns from the School must submit all School and clinical affiliate student issued identification badges and access cards.