Procedures for Change in Enrollment 

Independent Study

Enrollment in Independent Study is available for students, (1) who begin coursework in one semester or academic year, but for extenuating circumstances, receive grades of Incomplete, and must complete the coursework in the next semester or academic year; or (2) who want to take time during their enrollment in the MD program for research or other scholarly activities.

A student must submit a written request for Independent Study that includes the reason for the request.

Independent Study Guidelines:
Independent Study is granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Support.

1. Enrollment in Independent Study is limited to one academic year unless approval for an extension is granted by the Associate Dean.
2. The Office of Student Records will register the student in Independent Study and post the appropriate designation code on the student’s official record.
3. Independent Study registration shall: be reflected on the student’s transcript; incur a registration charge each semester (in lieu of tuition) and the usual and customary fees, including but not limited to the student activities fee, technology fee, disability and needlestick insurance and health insurance premium, if applicable.  Independent Study registration enables the student to be considered as a full-time enrolled student in the School of Medicine.
4. Students will not receive LKSOM scholarships while on Independent Study.
5. A student registered for Independent Study will be considered as making “satisfactory academic progress” for financial aid purposes for one year only.
6. Students may receive federal student loans for a maximum of two semesters of Independent Study.
7. It is the student’s responsibility to understand eligibility requirements and financial implications of being enrolled in Independent Study.
8. The time that a student spends on Independent Study will count towards the maximum of six years permitted to complete the MD program.

Leaves of Absence

A leave of absence is an administrative measure granted for a student who is not enrolled in coursework for any term of an academic year. It is used in situations where it is deemed in the best interest of the student and/or the School of Medicine that the student's education be interrupted. The student may request an extension of a leave of absence only for extraordinary, extenuating circumstances.

A student must submit a written request for a Leave of Absence that includes the reason for the request.

Leave of Absence Guidelines:
A leave of absence is granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Support.

1. A leave of absence may be granted for up to one year.
2. In certain exceptional circumstances, a two-year leave of absence may be granted. In this case, at the discretion of the Senior Associate Dean for Education, students may be allowed to re-enter the curriculum at the point where their leave of absence began or may be required to repeat some or all of the curriculum previously taken, even if courses were passed.
3. Leaves of absence cannot exceed a cumulative total of two years.
4. The time that a student spends on a leave of absence will count towards the maximum of six years permitted to complete the MD program.
5. All conditions pertaining to leaves of absence will be determined by the Associate Dean for Student Support in consultation with the Senior Associate Dean for Education.
6. Students on a leave of absence are not eligible to receive financial aid.
7. Because students on a leave of absence are not considered to be working toward their degree, the grace (deferral) period for loan repayment may lapse during the leave. Students with loans from previous degrees will no longer be in an in-school deferment status and repayment will begin shortly after the leave begins.
8. Students on leave are eligible to purchase 4 months of health insurance coverage from the first day without coverage to assist with transition of care to a new provider.
9. Students on leave are not eligible to buy disability insurance during their leave.
10. Students on leave are not covered by LKSOM liability insurance.
11. Students must review information about the financial implications of a leave of absence with the Office of Student Financial Services prior to the leave.  It is the student’s responsibility to understand the financial implications of being on a leave of absence.

Withdrawal

Students who wish to withdraw from LKSOM must request approval in writing from the Senior Associate Dean for Education.

Withdrawal Guidelines: 

1. Students who withdraw from the program will have the grade of W (Withdraw) assigned for each course/rotation in progress.
2. A student who withdraws during a semester may be entitled to a refund of certain charges. A withdrawal affects financial aid eligibility and could require a return of federal financial aid funds.
3. Students will be required to meet with the following offices to receive information related to their withdrawal and to ensure there are no balances or holds:
   
   • Office of Student Financial Services
   • Bursar’s Office
   • Library
   • Office of Student Records

Any student who has withdrawn and wishes to be considered for readmission must apply and follow all the processes and procedures of the LKSOM admissions process.