Leave of Absence Policy

Students enrolled in the Hofstra North Shore – LIJ School of Medicine can apply for a one-year Leave of Absence (LOA) for academic, medical or personal reasons. Requests for a leave of any type must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.  The request must include the reasons for the leave and the anticipated date of return.  Students are required to meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to discuss the request and will receive a written decision within two weeks of the meeting.  This may include conditions for the granting of a leave. 

A leave of absence may be granted for reasons such as (but not limited to): medical illness, educational opportunity, military service, or emergency family problems.  For medical or psychiatric illnesses, documentation determined to be appropriate by the Office of Student Affairs must be submitted.  Leaves of absence for military service are granted if the student is called or ordered to active duty or conscripted.  In most cases, leaves are granted for a maximum of one year. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs may stipulate conditions for return, including an administrative evaluation and/or review by an appropriate faculty committee.

Any student granted permission to take a LOA is required to register each term, pay a registration fee and show evidence of medical insurance, including mental health coverage equivalent to full coverage offered by Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.  This allows a student to have the same privileges as any other enrolled medical student, including loan deferrals.  Any student granted a leave of absence must confer with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Director of Financial Aid.

Any student wishing to request an extension to his/her leave must submit that request, in writing, to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at least 45 days in advance of the original date of return. If an extension is not granted, a student on a LOA may have his/her matriculation terminated.  The student would be permitted to apply for readmission at a later time.

When a student on a LOA is ready to return, he/she must submit that request, in writing, to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at least 45 days in advance of the anticipated date of return. Supporting documentation and specific requirements may be required to evaluate this request.

Questions regarding a leave of absence should be directed to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.