Students may apply for a leave of absence for medical or personal reasons or to study abroad. However, the leave of absence can last for no more than two semesters. If the student takes a leave of absence while on academic or disciplinary probation, s/he must complete the terms of her/his probation upon returning to Loyola. Students who are subject to full dismissal from the University for academic or disciplinary reasons are not eligible for a leave of absence.
To apply for a leave of absence, the student must mail or fax a letter with their signature to the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, requesting the leave of absence. The letter must state whether the leave is personal or medical.
A medical leave of absence will be granted when the attending physician provides the University with documentation recommending a leave. This documentation must be received within 30 days after the student or parent notifies Loyola of the need for a medical leave of absence. A review of the student's financial obligations to the University will take place once the medical leave of absence is approved and the medical documentation is received. If the medical documentation is not received by the University within the 30-day period, the student or parent forfeits the right to a tuition refund.
Students applying for a leave must complete the Leave of Absence Form, which can be obtained by contacting the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. They must then consult the financial aid office to determine what effect this leave may have on their financial aid. Usually, students on a leave of absence from the University will not receive transfer credit for courses taken at another institution during the period of the leave. However, prior written permission may be obtained from the Academic Advising and Support Center for any exceptions to this policy.
Upon completion of the leave, students may return to Loyola University Maryland under the academic requirements in effect at the time of the departure without completing the regular admission process. Students on an approved leave of absence who do not return at the conclusion of that leave and who do not request an extension of the leave in writing from the Dean of Undergraduate Studies will be withdrawn completely from the University at the conclusion of the first formal add/drop period, which is typically the first week of classes of a semester.
To return to the University after a medical leave of absence, the student must provide documentation from their attending physician to the office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies stating that the student is approved for a return to the University.