Student Handbook 2025-2026

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Leave of Absence

 

Policy Statement

This policy outlines the requirements of academic leaves of absence for Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing (“College”).  Students may request a leave of absence to drop/withdraw current, or future, term coursework based on supporting documentation. 

A leave of absence may affect student financial aid.  For financial aid purposes, many students will be considered to have withdrawn as of the date the leave of absence begins (certain exceptions, among others, are listed in 34 C.F.R. § 668.22(d)).  Depending on the circumstances, a leave of absence may trigger, for example, requirements for returning disbursed aid and/or repayment obligations.  Students who receive financial aid should meet with a Financial Aid Counselor before taking a leave of absence for more information on how their aid may be affected by the leave. 

This policy does not apply to international students who must contact the Primary Designated School Official or Designated School Official for details related to any leave of absence.  

The student begins the leave of absence request by notifying the Academic and Student Support Advisor in writing and submitting the formal written request with all relevant supporting documentation no later than one month prior to the end of the term that the leave of absence request is submitted.  The Advisor will work closely with the Registrar to process the necessary paperwork for the leave of absence request beginning with the term that the request was initiated.  The time limit for a leave of absence is a maximum of two consecutive terms of non-enrollment.  Students whose enrollment has been interrupted for more than two consecutive terms are required to reapply for admission unless an extenuating circumstance is presented to and approved by the Dean or Associate Dean of Student Experience and Development.  All current College policies in effect at the time of reenrollment will apply.

 

Procedures for Requesting a Leave of Absence

  1. The Leave of Absence policy and form are available upon request. Students should consult with their Academic and Student Support Advisor to discuss any questions related to this policy and procedures.
  2. The student must complete the Leave of Absence form and submit the completed form with supporting documentation to their Academic and Student Support Advisor. The Leave of Absence request form will not be reviewed until all relevant supporting documentation is received by the Academic and Student Support Advisor.
  3. Completed submission will be reviewed by Associate Dean of Student Experience and Development and decisions rendered within 5-7 business days.
  4. A student should remain active and/or progressing in the term until a leave of absence is officially approved unless the emergency prevents the option to continue until finalized.
  5. If approval is granted, the date notifications included within the relevant supporting documentation as a “start date” will be used for record updates. The Registrar will be notified to update the student record accordingly and confirmation will be sent to the student.
  6. The student should respond to all communication until Leave of Absence is completely reviewed, approved, and officially processed within the system of record.

NOTE: Some academic programs do not offer courses each term. Therefore, the approved timeline for a Leave of Absence may extend beyond two consecutive terms with approval from the Dean or Associate Dean of Student Experience and Development.

A leave of absence request will consider the following conditions:

  • After a term begins, the student’s Academic and Student Support Advisor is to be informed of the need for a leave of absence as soon as is reasonably possible.
  • For approved leave of absences, all course registration and records will be updated appropriately according to standard procedures, supporting documentation, and enrollment reporting.
  • Leave of absences are approved for a specific timeframe based on the dates within supporting documentation (see types of leave of absence criteria for details). If the leave of absence requires an extension that falls within the maximum two terms, student’s will need to contact their Academic and Student Support Advisors in writing before the date that the original leave of absence expires to request an extension.
  • If a student is withdrawn for any reason before requesting a leave of absence, a request for a leave of absence cannot be considered until the course, term, or college withdrawal is resolved.
  • Earned grades cannot be retroactively changed due to a leave of absence.
  • All current student requirements at the time of reentry and readmission are in effect for the student’s reactivation including curriculum, course catalog, and policies.
  • Withdrawals as a result of a LOA will not be counted in a student’s satisfactory progress requirements but remain on the student’s academic record.

Students who do not return at the end of the leave of absence will be withdrawn from the College effective as of the date they ceased attending/participating in classes or clinicals. To return, if an exception is not granted, requires readmission through the application process. All admission requirements at the time of reapplication are in effect for the student’s readmission including curriculum, course catalog, and policy updates.