2021 - 2022 COM Student Handbook

Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (KPCOM)—Graduate Certificate in Social Medicine Program 2021–2022 394 B. Voluntary Leave of Absence While it is expected that all students will maintain continuous enrollment in the program, some students may encounter extenuating circumstances that prevent them from maintaining continuous academic progress. In such instances, students may take a voluntary leave of absence from the program. In making such a decision, the student must recognize that he or she may not be eligible to return to school before the next academic term/semester and that the length of the absence will not extend the period of six years (18 semesters) allowed for completion of all academic requirements. Students should notify the program office in writing to inform them of this decision. A student who does not register for more than two consecutive semesters may be withdrawn from the program. To return to the program after withdrawal, the student may have to apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. • If a student has completed less than 50 percent of one or more courses at the time of the LOA, the student will be withdrawn from those courses (see Withdrawal from a Course section in this handbook) and a W will be noted on the student’s transcript. • If a student has completed 50 percent or more of one or more courses at the time of the LOA, the program director and the KPCOM Administration will determine, based on the individual’s circumstances (e.g., expected length of leave), whether to withdraw the student from these courses or assign a grade of in progress ( IP ) and allow the student to continue the course(s) upon his or her return. C. Leave of Absence Records Leave of absence records and the date of each determination shall be placed in the student’s permanent record. 19. Withdrawal from Program A student enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Social Medicine Program may voluntarily withdraw and surrender all rights and privileges as a student enrolled in the program. The student must notify the program office, in writing, of intent to withdraw. 20. Readmission To be considered for readmission after dismissal from the Graduate Certificate in Social Medicine Program, the student must appear before the Graduate Student Progress and Advising Committee (SPAC). The candidate must provide adequate evidence that the conditions and/or factors that caused the prior dismissal have changed. Only courses taken within six years of the new graduation date will be accepted toward the degree. The SPAC committee will review the case and make recommendations to the dean for the final decision. 21. Academic Progress The academic progress of each student enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Social Medicine Program is based on continuous satisfactory academic performance. It is also contingent on the student’s adherence to the policies and procedures of the Graduate Certificate in Social Medicine Program, KPCOM, HPD, and NSU governing his or her professional conduct and other responsibilities as outlined