600 Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, and Readmission
If a student voluntarily leaves the program for any reason, they must immediately request a change of status with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs’ office (for a withdrawal or a leave of absence). If the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs’ office does not receive a written request for a leave of absence within two weeks of their final day in the internship, the student will automatically be withdrawn from the School.
Any student considering a voluntary leave of absence from the practicum internship, for any reason, must be in contact with the supervisor, Faculty Practicum Adviser and Director or Associate Director of Practicum Learning to develop a sound termination plan that holds client care central. There are no partial practicum credits granted for students who do not complete the practicum internship.
600.1 Voluntary Leave of Absence
Students may apply in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for a leave of absence on an individual basis for any personal reason at any point in the program.
Leave is generally granted for a one-year period, which may be renewed for a period not to exceed a total of two years.
To request extension for the leave of absence, a student must request in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs by January 5 of the year the granted leave expires.
A student who fails to comply with the terms of the leave will be withdrawn from the school.
600.2 Mandatory Leave of Absence
600.2.A Adjudicated by the Academic Review Committee
The Academic Review Committee may mandate a leave of absence. If a student refuses the mandatory leave, the ADAA will decide whether to dismiss the student or to allow the student to withdraw from the program.
600.2.B Adjudicated by the Dean’s Office
In rare and exigent circumstances including emergencies and other crises, the Dean or Associate Dean may require a leave of absence of any student.
A student who has been on a required leave of absence adjudicated by the Dean’s Office and wishes to be reinstated to the program, will be required to undergo an Academic Review to determine the student’s readiness to be reinstated.
600.3 Returning from Leave of Absence (LOA)
To initiate reinstatement to the program after an LOA, a student must submit a reinstatement request in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs by the deadline indicated on the letter granting their leave.
Upon return from a leave of absence (LOA), the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (ADAA) will configure the remainder of the student’s course requirements in order to be consistent with current M.S.W. program policies. If there have been changes in graduation requirements while the student has been on LOA, the ADAA has the discretion to create alternative curricular structures that are consistent with faculty policy to meet the student’s graduation requirements.
600.4 Withdrawal from the Program
Students may apply in writing to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for withdrawal from the program at any point in the program.
600.5 Readmission
A student who has withdrawn from the School and who seeks to return to the program must reapply to the School.
A student who is readmitted to the School will be granted credit for successfully completed academic units taken previously in the program only if no more than three years have elapsed since the date of the original withdrawal. This three-year period would include a leave of absence if one has been granted.
Students readmitted to the program will need to complete the current degree requirements. Doctoral students who withdraw having completed all coursework, with the exception of the dissertation, will be permitted to re-enter the program as a Post-Resident student.
600.6 Notation on Student Records
If a student goes on a leave of absence with the permission of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, the official record of the School will indicate “Leave of Absence” followed by the start and end dates of the leave.
If a student whose academic work is in good standing withdraws from the School, the official record of the School will indicate “Withdrawn.”
If a student withdraws with the permission of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs after an Academic Progress Review has been called but before the Review has been held, the official record of the School will indicate “Withdrawn.”
If a student withdraws without the permission of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs after an Academic Progress Review has been called but before the Review has been held, the official record of the School will indicate “Withdrawn Pending Review.”
If a student withdraws while on probationary status the official record will indicate “Withdrawn on Probationary Status.”