2024-2025 University Student Handbook

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Leave of Absence

ACADEMIC LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY FOR UJ ONLINE STUDENTS

Leave of Absence (LOA) refers to a specific period during a degree program when a student will not be attending/participating in their online courses.  An LOA must meet certain requirements to be counted as a temporary interruption in a student’s enrollment rather than being counted as a full withdrawal from the university.  There must also be a reasonable expectation that the student will return to courses once the LOA has expired for the LOA to be approved. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be enrolled and participating in class the term preceding the beginning of the LOA.
  • Must be a degree seeking fully online student.
  • LOA application must be filed prior to completion of a student’s current 8-week enrollment term.
  • An LOA cannot be taken in the middle of an 8-week term.
  • Cannot be out of attendance for more than 180 days in a 12-month rolling period.
  • A student who does not return from an LOA will be withdrawn from UJ effective the last day of documented attendance/participation in their prior class.
  • A student can return early from an LOA by contacting the UJ Retention & Student Success Coordinator as long as a new term will start after the date the request to return has been approved.

LOA Request Process:

  • Student must initiate LOA process with UJ’s Retention & Student Success Coordinator prior to the end of their current term.
  • Student will complete an LOA form on which they will state the reason for the LOA along with the date they want their LOA to start (day after current 8-week term) and the date they plan to return to class (first day of desired term).
  • LOA must be approved by UJ’s LOA committee.
  • If approved, the LOA will officially end on the day prior to the scheduled return date.
  • The Retention & Student Success Coordinator will explain the impact of how taking the LOA will impact the student’s Federal Title IV funds as well as the terms of the student’s loan repayment obligation upon withdrawal or graduation.
  • UJ will not assess any charges to the student while on an LOA.
  • Title IV funds will not be disbursed to a student while on an LOA unless Title IV funds were already in process prior to the start of the LOA.
  • If the LOA is not approved and the student does not continue to the next term OR the student does not return as scheduled from an approved LOA, this time of nonattendance will be counted against any grace period for Title IV student loan repayment.