SOM 5050 - Extended Excused Absences

Authorizing Body:

OUWB Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

Date Issued:

August 1, 2011

Last Update:

July 27, 2026

Last Review

July 27, 2026

Rationale:

To ensure the proper administration of short-term excused absences from the curriculum to support the students' academic progression.

Scope and Applicability:

All students enrolled in the School of Medicine.

Standard Practice Guidelines:

An Extended Excused Absence (EEA) is a short-term student-initiated temporary absence from the curriculum lasting up to six (6) weeks, granted at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or their proxy.

Approval of an EEA does not change a student's registration status or tuition obligation. Attendance policy requirements will apply. An EEA may result in a delay in graduation, depending on the timing and duration of the absence.

EEAs may be used for the following purposes:

• Medical emergencies
• Family emergencies
• Parental leaves
• Personal crisis events
• Planned medical procedures
• Other sensitive issues

Procedures:

• A student requesting an EEA must submit a request to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or their proxy in person, by phone, or by email.
• A student returning from a health-related EEA may be required to submit a completed Readiness to Return form, signed by the student's healthcare provider, and submitted to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or their proxy prior to returning to the curriculum.
• A student who wishes to extend an EEA within the six (6) week maximum must contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management or their proxy  to make the request.
• A student requiring an absence beyond six (6) weeks must request a formal Leave of Absence (LOA), which must be approved by the Student Performance Review Committee (SPRC).

Definitions:

N/A

Related Policies and Forms: