Progression in the standard three (3) academic year program can be interrupted for various reasons, resulting in gaps within the scheduled curriculum. These interruptions can consist of different formats including a leave of absence, a recession, withdrawal, or dismissal. It is important to note that regardless of the reason behind the interruption, students must complete the DVM curriculum within a 5-year term from the initial LMU-OPCVM start date. At the discretion of the Dean, additional time may be considered. The process of each interruption, including the detailing of necessary action steps, are detailed below. All students who are leaving the program for any length of time must complete a Student Separation Form. This document can be obtained by contacting the LMU-OPCVM Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. This form will provide acknowledgement from the following offices/departments in the order as listed:
- LMU-OPCVM Office of Admissions
- LMU-OPCVM Student Services Office
- LMU-OPCVM Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
- LMU Registrar
- LMU Financial Aid Office
- A meeting with the Financial Aid Office will include discussion regarding how the leave will affect their financial aid eligibility.
- · LMU Cashier’s Office
- The official date of the Leave of Absence will be the date of receipt of the student’s official request. Any tuition refunds or outstanding balances will be based on this date.
This form will be generated by the OSA and sent to all appropriate parties via Adobe Sign, with completed copies automatically returned to all parties.
If a student withdraws or is dismissed from the program, the LMU Security Office will also be notified. The student will forfeit their LMU-OPCVM student identification card to LMU Security prior to leaving campus.
Leave of Absence from DVM Program
Any absence request greater than 5 business days requires permission from the Dean and may require a student to take a leave of absence. A leave of absence may be granted from LMU-OPCVM for one of the following reasons: 1) a medical, personal, or family emergency; 2) a financial emergency; 3) maternity; 4) a call to active military service; or 5) pursuit of an academic endeavor other than the regular classroom work, either on campus or at another recognized teaching facility. The student must meet with the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs to provide justification for the leave. The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs will recommend a student to the Dean for a Leave of Absence. The Dean may grant a Leave of Absence for the student. The Dean may request review of the student’s academic performance by the Student Progress Committee prior to making a final decision on granting the leave of absence. Only students who are in good academic standing with LMU-OPCVM will be granted a leave of absence (See Student Academic Record & Letters of Good Standing).
The LMU-OPCVM will notify the student in writing about the decision regarding the Leave of Absence and any requirements about the student’s return to campus. Leaves of absence are granted for a maximum of one year. Before a student’s leave of absence may begin, he or she must go through LMU-OPCVM’s prescribed check-out procedure that includes completion of the Student Separation Form (See Interruption in Academic Program Progression).
Students seeking to return from a leave of absence must ensure that all approved terms and conditions of the leave are submitted in writing before reinstatement will be granted. The submission of this paperwork is the responsibility of the student and must be submitted to the LMU-OPCVM by the preceding April 20th for summer semester, June 30th for fall semester and October 31st for spring semester of the academic year in which the student wishes to be readmitted. The written request should be directed to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.
Students granted a medical leave of absence must have a licensed physician or mental health professional certify in writing that the student’s physical and/or mental health is sufficient to continue in the academic program. See the technical standards and essential functions for guidance. This letter must be approved by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs before the student will be allowed to return to LMU-OPCVM.
Disruption of Program Due to Recession
A student who has been recessed is removed from their current academic cohort and allowed to re-enroll as a member of the cohort one graduation year behind (e.g., from Class of 2025 to Class of 2026). Students who are recessed will be required to repeat the entire academic year and pass all courses in all repeated semesters to bolster and retain their knowledge and skills for further progression in the curriculum (See Recessed Student Policy). Upon being recessed, students must complete the Student Separation Form (See Interruption in Academic Program Progression). Deadlines for notification of intent to continue are the preceding April 20th for summer semester, June 30th for fall semester and October 31 for spring semester.
Dismissal or Withdrawal
The LMU-OPCVM reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time prior to graduation. Circumstances warranting such action may be of an academic, ethical, legal, or professional nature. It is imperative that any student who is dismissed or withdraws from the LMU-OPCVM complete the Student Separation Form. Failure to complete the complete the Student Separation Form will result in the LMU-OPCVM withholding all records pertaining to the student’s attendance. When the student completes all prescribed obligations, the LMU-OPCVM will release the student’s academic records upon request through the Office of the Dean.
If the student is withdrawing, he or she must supply the Dean with a letter of resignation and the Dean will inform the ADSA. If the student is being dismissed, the Dean will inform the ADSA of the dismissal. Upon notification of the student leaving the program, the Office of Student Affairs will produce a memorandum stating the change in the student’s status to be distributed to all LMU-OPCVM offices and to LMU-OPCVM course directors.