Policy: Extended Leave of Absence (Students)

Policy and Procedures

 Download PDF of this page: Extended Absence Policy

Policy

It is Berkeley Optometry's policy that students in good academic standing who are confronted with unexpected personal or medical situations that require them be absent from the professional program for more than three (3) weeks (21 days) may be allowed to take an extended leave of absence.

Procedures

All students who seek extended leaves of absence must work closely with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to identify the impact an extended absence from their lectures, laboratories or clinics might have on their degree progress and how to mitigate this impact. In addition to the above, third or fourth-year students who seek extended leaves of absence must consult with the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs about their plans for making up the additional clinics they will miss, in accordance with the guidelines at Clinic Attendance.

Given the nature of the professional degree curriculum, an extended leave of absence may require a student to withdraw from the program until the underlying exceptional circumstances have been resolved, and then to be readmitted at the appropriate time during the subsequent semester or academic year. Limits on the total amount of leave time a student may take and still remain eligible for readmission to the professional degree program will follow the guidelines described in the Graduate Division's Guide to Graduate Policy.

Progress to the OD degree usually will be delayed by an extended leave of absence. Accordingly, students who are readmitted to the professional program following an extended leave will be placed on the degree list for the semester in which they complete the requirements for graduation. Students seeking extended leaves of absence should consult with the Admissions and Student Affairs Office about their financial aid.

Revised: February 24, 2010