Leave of absence policy

A leave of absence (LOA) is a period of non-enrollment. Students on a leave of absence are not considered to be working toward any degree. LOA status is granted for a minimum of one month and maximum of one year. Students who do not return to full-time status at the end of the leave and who have not reapplied for renewal of the leave are considered to have withdrawn from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and need to reapply through the associate deans of academic affairs and student affairs if they wish to return at some future date.

Medical leave
A leave of absence may be granted on medical grounds at any time if approved by associate deans of academic affairs and student affairs. Students must be cleared by a physician to be eligible to return to studies.

Personal leave
Application for a personal leave must be made by May 31 for a leave to begin July 1 or Sept. 1, and by Nov. 30 to begin Jan. 1. In consultation with their advisor, students must outline a plan for their leave in writing and submit it to the associate deans of academic affairs and student affairs. A copy of this letter must be sent to the registrar’s office. The registrar will notify the financial aid office. Students on personal leave must meet with the associate deans of academic affairs and student affairs prior to resuming studies.