Leave of Absence/Independent Study PolicyLeave of absence (LOA) and independent study may be granted for several general reasons, including, but not limited to, the following: - academic performance
- personal issues (health or family difficulties)
- financial hardship
- pursuit of other academic activities (such as earning an advanced degree, conducting non–degree-related research, or studying abroad).
Any student considering a leave of absence/independent study should meet with the Associate Dean for Student Programs and Career Development. The Associate Dean for Student Programs' role is to explain the policy, offer support and help the student with any questions or concerns regarding the leave. The student will be provided with the Leave of Absence/ Independent Study request form and will be directed to write a short explanation as to why a leave is being requested. If a leave is being requested due to health reasons, a written request to drop for reason of illness must be made to the Associate Dean for Student Programs and Career Development and be accompanied by documentation from the treating physician stating that continuation by the student under the prevailing circumstances is not practical. In addition, the physician should project when the student might be able to resume his or her studies. It may be necessary, depending on circumstances, that a fitness for duty examination be performed on the student by appropriate professionals before reentry to FSM is granted. In an emergency situation, the FSM Administration has the right to put a student on a leave. A written request to drop for reasons of personal or family crisis must explain the nature of the crisis, such as death, disability, or serious illness of a family member; collapse of financial support; or impending legal issue. The request must also explain how the student expects to cope with his or her particular situation before returning and the anticipated return date. A student may make a written request that the remainder of a clerkship be dropped. Such a request must be made prior to the completion of the first half of the clerkship and include a plan for identifying and correcting the deficiency or distraction and an estimate of when the student will be ready to continue their clinical education. Whether a student must repeat the entire clerkship or complete the remainder of the clerkship will be left to the discretion of the clerkship director. Leave of absences and independent studies are granted on an academic year basis. They are generally limited to one year but may, under some circumstances, be renewed upon re-application and provision of justification. Students must bear in mind that FSM expects students to complete the medical school curriculum within 6 years of matriculation. Approved joint degree programs that enhance a student’s medical education are encouraged and will not count towards the 6-year limit. Students requesting additional leave time must speak directly to the Associate Dean of Student Programs. Before returning to academics, students on leave must meet with an SPC subcommittee. The subcommittee will be interested in hearing how the student spent their time away from academics, and how they have addressed any personal issues or academic difficulties that interfered with their education. Pending the recommendation of the subcommittee, the SPC will determine if a return to academics is in the best interest of the student at that time. Return to academics is subject to the availability of space in the appropriate medical school class. A student who has been on a LOA for three or more years may be required to repeat some or all of the coursework completed prior to taking leave. A formal response regarding a student's return will be sent to the student on behalf of the committee. | 
