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2024-2025 PAU University Catalog

Leave of Absence (LOA)

Students may apply to take a temporary Leave of Absence (LOA) from the University for medical (see MLOA section), military or exceptional personal circumstances (for example, a death in the family or housing insecurity). An approved LOA is for a maximum of 180 days with a student returning at the beginning of any term within these 180 days (approximately 6 months) in one calendar year. The one calendar year begins on the first day of the student’s initial LOA. It is the student’s responsibility when meeting with the Academic Advisor to understand the programmatic impact of taking the Leave of Absence and if a student takes multiple LOAs in multiple calendar years, it is also the student’s responsibility to complete the program within the stipulated timeline for program completion.

The quarter in which the student is approved for a LOA may also affect the student account and financial aid where applicable. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the Bursar’s Office and Financial Aid Office to understand the financial implications when taking a LOA. Additionally, in compliance with current regulations, if a student who does not return at the expiration from their approved LOA, the student’s withdraw date is the date the student began the LOA.

Procedures for LOA

Procedure to Request LOA:

  1. Students who are interested in taking an LOA, should contact the Office of Student Success at studentsucess@paloaltou.edu.
  2. A representative from the Office of Student Success will provide the LOA form to the student and meet with the student to ensure that the student is advised of the policy and procedures.
  3. The student should complete their section of the LOA Form and include supporting documentation.
  4. The student is required to meet with and obtain approval from (through signature on the LOA Form):
    1. Their academic advisor (all students)
    2. Office of Financial Aid (if applicable)
    3. Director of Clinical Training for their academic program (if applicable)
    4. International/Veteran Student Services (if applicable)
  5. Once all required meetings occur and signatures have been obtained, the Office of Student Success will notify the following offices: Academic Department, Financial Aid, Registrar’s Office, and the Bursar’s Office.
  6. While on a LOA, the student is required to check in monthly with the Office of Student Success.
  7. At least three weeks before the student is scheduled to return, the student must meet with a representative from the Office of Student Success to ensure the student is on track to return to academic study.

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) , Procedures and Returning

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) Students may apply for a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) if they cannot continue enrollment due to medical reasons. The eligibility, length of leave, tuition and fee reversal are the same as described under the subheading “Leave of Absence” above.

Procedure to request MLOA:

  1. Students who are interested in taking a MLOA, should contact the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) at OAE@paloaltou.edu.

  2. A representative from the Office of Accessible Education will meet with the student to ensure that the student is advised of the medical policy and procedures.

  3. The student must provide documentation to the Office of Accessible Education from a healthcare provider to validate the need for medical leave.

  4. The student should complete their section of the LOA Form and select the reason as medical.

  5. The student is required to meet with and obtain approval from (through signature on the LOA Form):
    a. Their Academic Advisor (all students)
    b. Program Director or Director of Clinical Training for their academic program (if applicable)
    c. Office of Financial Aid (if applicable)
    d. International/Veteran Student Services (if applicable)
    e. The Office of Accessible Education (required)

  6. Once all required meetings occur and signatures have been obtained, the Registrar’s Office will process the MLOA.

  7. While on a MLOA, it is recommended that the student check in monthly with the Office of Accessible Education. This is especially important if there are updates or changes that may impact a Letter of Accommodation for the term in which the student is scheduled to return.

Returning to the University AFTER a Medical Leave of Absence

At least three weeks before the student is scheduled to return, the student must provide a medical release form from a healthcare provider and meet with a representative from the Office of Accessible Education. The release documentation must directly address that the student is:

  1. permitted to return to the university,

  2. capable of resuming academic studies,

  3. able to meet the program’s requirements, and include

  4. any recommended ADA accommodations that might be appropriate as the student resumes studies.

Students who do not provide a medical release from a healthcare provider who addresses the same condition(s) for which the student sought the medical leave of absence will be administratively
withdrawn from the university after the last day to add/drop in the quarter in which they return.

** This policy will be reviewed and revised as necessary to ensure compliance with federal and state
laws and regulations and to ensure the health and well-being of students.

Once the student has been cleared to return from MLOA, the student must meet with a representative
from the Department of Student Success to coordinate interdepartmental efforts to return to academic
study.