2021 - 2022 COM Student Handbook

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM)—Osteopathic Medicine Program 2021–2022 138 1. Administrative LOA An administrative LOA is a mandatory LOA imposed by the dean due to an identified reason. During an administrative leave, the student must follow the prescribed instructions and requirements associated with the leave and, if applicable, complete rehabilitation or treatment for the reason that precipitated the necessity for the leave. Additionally, a student must meet with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Assistance to establish the parameters of his or her financial aid. The financial aid of a student on LOA will be adjusted accordingly, which may require a return of previously disbursed money. A student will not be able to obtain financial aid during a leave regardless of the reason for the leave. To resume the program, the student may be required to meet with the SPC and show that the preestablished instructions and requirements have been met and that he or she shows reasonable likelihood that previous problem(s) will not recur. The SPC will make a recommendation to the dean as to whether the student may resume the program. If the leave was imposed due to medical reasons, the dean may require that the student have a licensed physician, approved by the dean, certify in writing that the student is able to resume his or her studies. The letter must state that the student is able to meet all of the Core Performance Standards for Admissions and Progress with or without reasonable accommodation before he or she will be allowed to resume the program. Any limitations that the student may have must be clearly documented before the student may be able to resume the program. 2. Voluntary LOA A voluntary LOA is a request by a student to discontinue coursework for personal, financial, or medical reasons or another significant reason. A student requesting a voluntary LOA must complete the proper paperwork (LOA form) obtained from the Office of Student Affairs. In addition to the completion of the form, the student must meet with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Assistance to establish the parameters of his or her financial aid. The financial aid of a student on LOA will be adjusted accordingly, which may require a return of previously disbursed money. A student will not be able to obtain financial aid during a leave regardless of the reason for the leave. The request for a voluntary LOA must be submitted, in writing, to the director of the Office of Student Affairs who will review the request and submit a recommendation to the dean. The dean will then determine whether or not the leave of absence is to be granted. Students granted a leave of absence for medical reasons may be required to have a licensed physician, approved by the dean, certify in writing that the student is able to resume his or her studies and meet all of the Core Performance Standards for Admissions and Progress with or without reasonable accommodation before he or she will be allowed to resume the program. Any limitations that the student may have must be clearly documented before the student may be able to resume the program.