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:
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Students who are interested in taking a MLOA, should contact the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) at OAE@paloaltou.edu.
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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.
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The student must provide documentation to the Office of Accessible Education from a healthcare provider to validate the need for medical leave.
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The student should complete their section of the LOA Form and select the reason as medical.
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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)
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Once all required meetings occur and signatures have been obtained, the Registrar’s Office will process the MLOA.
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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:
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permitted to return to the university,
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capable of resuming academic studies,
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able to meet the program’s requirements, and include
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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.