LOA Checklist

BEFORE YOUR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

• Schedule a Meeting with your Student Success Advisor (SSA) to go over the Leave of Absence (LOA) process: An LOA is defined as a temporary withdrawal from the University with an intent to return within 4 terms. During this meeting, you’ll go over your updated program trajectory, your communication plan with your SSA and any implications that your LOA will have for the remainder of your degree.

  • Per university policy, your LOA is not to exceed 24 months.

• File your LOA Paperwork: If you intend to take an LOA that will be more than 1-term, it’s required that you submit official Leave of Absence documentation here. You will submit this form by emailing it to your SSA and the Assistant Director of MS Programs, Jonathan Thompson at jonathantr@mail.smu.edu, with a brief statement as to why you are taking a LOA. Please include your intended return term.

• Submit the cancellation or withdrawal form: If you’re enrolled in class(es) and it’s prior to the first day of the term, submit the petition for cancellation. If the term has already begun, submit the withdrawal form. The form is the same for both scenarios.

  • This form is required because My.SMU will not allow you to drop all your courses. 

• Notify your Professors: If you have already registered for courses, connect with your Professors to notify them of your upcoming LOA, and that you will not be returning to class this term. If you are part of any group projects, please also notify members of your student group. 

• Review your Financial Plan: Reach out to both the Student Financial Service Office and the Student Accounts Office (if applicable) via 214-768-3417 or  Enrol_serv@smu.edu to discuss the financial implications of taking an LOA.  

  • For additional information regarding the financial implications of withdrawing from your course(s), please visit this site. 

  • Please note - if you have borrowed Unsubsidized or Graduate PLUS loans, you will need to complete Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling. 

  • If you plan on applying for federal student loans for the term you are returning, please fill out the FAFSA. 

• Bookmark the Academic Calendar: It’s important for you to stay tuned into important dates like registration so that you can plan ahead. You can find the current academic calendar here.

MEDICAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE

*Ensure you follow the steps above in addition to the section below 

• A medical leave of absence is defined as a temporary withdrawal from the University due to a medical concern, with an intent to return within 4 terms. A medical withdrawal requires the approval of the Student Support Team (SST). If the withdrawal is granted, the student will be assigned grades of "W'' for all enrolled courses and should seek appropriate treatment and recovery while away in order to return. You can find additional information here to see if this applies to you. 

  • Before filling out the Leave Request Form, a student wanting a Medical Leave must complete the Caring Community Connections Submission Form first and select the “medical withdrawal request” checkbox. There will be some sort of appointment or communication with the Health Center. If a student does not hear back from the CCC, they can contact the health center directly at:  healthcenter@mail.smu.edu.

  • Students who have met the requirements to return from a medical withdrawal should first email deanofstudents@smu.edu to start the request to return process. After speaking with a member of Student Advocacy and Support (OSAS) the student will then submit the Request to Return from Medical Withdrawal form. 

  • Per university policy, your medical LOA is not to exceed 24 months.

DURING YOUR LEAVE OF ABSENCE

• Communications with Your SSA: Expect regular outreach from your SSA during your leave, at a minimum of every 30 days. Work with your SSA to find a cadence that works best for your needs. If you are considering requesting to extend your leave beyond the initial specified time frame or should your leave become permanent, you may be required to submit additional paperwork.

• Check Your SMU Email: While on LOA, you will continue to receive regular important communications from SMU via your SMU email address. Please be sure to review your email on a regular cadence, as your school email cannot be forwarded to another email address/account.
  
  

4-6 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR RETURN

• Schedule a meeting with your SSA: to discuss a success plan for returning to the program and where you are in your program trajectory.

• My.SMU: 

  • Clear any holds that may appear in your My.SMU account. 

  • Registration is completed in My.SMU. Registration instructions will be provided periodically leading up to registration. Check your My.SMU email frequently so that you stay up to date and have adequate time to prepare.

• Technology Next Steps: Verify that you can log into the Digital Campus in preparation for registration and your return. If you need a refresher on the Digital Campus, please contact your SSA to join a technical training session.

• Finalize Your Financial Plan: Reconnect with both the Student Financial Service Office and the Student Accounts Office (If applicable) via 214-768-3417 or  Enrol_serv@smu.edu to finalize your financial plan.  This will ensure you will be set to register when you return.

2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR RETURN

• Purchase your textbooks: Once you gain access to your course material in the Digital Campus, textbooks can be ordered from the SMU Bookstore.

• Pay Tuition Bill: Plan to connect with the Bursar’s Office to ensure your tuition is paid prior to your return. This will ensure you are able to register for classes on time.

• Complete Week 1 coursework: You will get access to your classes on Digital Campus two weeks prior to the start of the term. Complete all Week 1 coursework and Module 1 readings listed in your syllabus prior to your first live session.