***NOTE: ADVANCE Leave of Absence policy and process is no longer operational per ADVANCE Curriculum Committee decision vote as of 11/10/2021.

All ADVANCE students are required to complete a minimum of 6 approved pathway credits each consecutive fall and spring semester at NOVA. Students who are planning an absence during the course of their studies at NOVA must submit a formal request or Leave of Absence (LOA) Form to the ADVANCE Program.

Eligibility Requirements:

ADVANCE student must be:

· eligible to register for NOVA classes with no student account hold(s)

· in good standing at both NOVA and Mason and in compliance with all milestones associated with student’s ADVANCE pathway (***Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this eligibility requirement has been waived for the 2020-2021 academic year)

Rules and Restrictions:

· ADVANCE students may request a one semester LOA or up to the maximum time allowed, a total of one academic year. This can be taken as two consecutive semesters, fall to spring or spring to fall or two separate semesters during the course of ADVANCE enrollment at NOVA. Summer terms are not considered.

· Prior approval is required. LOA deadlines are: August 1 for Fall LOA or December 15 for Spring LOA.

· One (1) semester LOA request must be submitted to the assigned Success Coach

· Two (2) consecutive semester LOA request must be submitted to the assigned Success Coach. The request will also be reviewed by the Assistant Director of ADVANCE Success Coaching

· ADVANCE students are not permitted to study elsewhere while on approved LOA. No transfer credit earned while on an approved LOA will be applied to a NOVA or Mason degree program.

· ADVANCE students on an approved LOA will not be considered for matriculation to Mason. Upon return to NOVA and completion of the required milestones to earn the associate’s degree, your Success Coach will assist you in transitioning to Mason.

· Each ADVANCE LOA request requires the student to contact their assigned Success Coach and submit a new LOA form

· If a student’s request for an ADVANCE LOA is denied, the student continues be held to the milestone progression requirements outlined in the ADVANCE agreement.

· Please see the ADVANCE Leave of Absence Form here.

Student Process for Requesting an ADVANCE Leave of Absence (LOA):

1. Review all eligibility requirements including rules and restrictions of ADVANCE LOA policy

2. Contact your assigned Success Coach to request an appointment to discuss ADVANCE LOA and other academic options

3. Complete and submit the ADVANCE Leave of Absence Form to your Coach.

4. If you are requesting approval for two consecutive semesters of leave, your assigned Success Coach will route the completed LOA form to the Assistant Director of ADVANCE Success Coaching for review and approval

5. Students should expect a decision within two weeks of submission.