Excused Absences

Rationale:

To ensure the proper administration of short-term excused absences from the curriculum to support the students' academic progression.

Scope & Applicability:

All students enrolled in the School of Medicine.

Standard Practice Guidelines:

An Excused Absence (EA) is a short-term student-initiated temporary absence from the curriculum lasting up to six (6) weeks, granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Career Development or their designee.

Approval of an EA does not change a student's registration status or tuition obligation. Attendance policy requirements will apply. An EA may result in a delay in graduation, depending on the timing and duration of the absence.

EAs may be used for the following purposes:

• Medical emergencies
• Family emergencies
• Parental leaves
• Personal crisis events
• Planned medical procedures
• Other sensitive issues

Procedures:

• A student requesting an EA must submit a request to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Career Development in person, by phone, or by email.

• A student returning from a health-related EA may be required to submit a completed Readiness to Return form, signed by the student's healthcare provider, and submitted to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Career Development prior to returning to the curriculum.

• A student who wishes to extend an EA within the six (6) week maximum must contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Career Development or their designee to make the request.

• A student requiring an absence beyond six (6) weeks must request a formal Leave of Absence (LOA), which must be approved by the Student Performance Review Committee (SPRC).

Definitions:

N/A

Related Policies and Forms:

Attendance and Class Participation
Leave of Absence
OUWB Religious Observance

Appendix:

N/A