Academic Leave of Absence (LOA) and Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA)

Before You Begin

• Have completed at least one full semester at MUST University. Students still in their first semester may not request an LOA or PLOA.
• Be in good academic standing, and not on probation at the time of the request.
• Have on hand the documentation supporting the reason for the leave, since it must be submitted together with the request.

How It Works

LOA and PLOA are both types of temporary leave from studies, and the difference between them lies in the reason for the request, not in the request process itself.

The Academic Leave of Absence (LOA) covers situations such as jury duty or military service, and medical or family circumstances aligned with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993, including the birth of a child or the arrival of a child through adoption or foster care, the need to care for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or a serious illness of the student's own.

The Personal Leave of Absence (PLOA) covers situations that do not fall under LOA, such as job loss, financial hardship, mental health concerns, extended travel, or the need to care for a close family member in a situation not covered by LOA.

In both cases, the leave is granted only when there is a reasonable expectation that the student will return at the end of the leave period, and approval must be obtained before the leave begins, except in medical emergencies, such as accidents, provided the student expects to return within the maximum allowed period.

Step by Step

1. Confirm that you have already completed at least one full semester and that you are in good academic standing.
2. Gather the documentation supporting the reason for the leave (for example, a medical certificate or an official summons document).
3. Submit the LOA/PLOA request through the form available at app.pipefy.com/public/form/NVxH5w12, always before the date the leave is meant to begin.
4. Wait for approval from Academic Affairs (or the staff member designated by the school) before stopping your coursework. The only exception is a medical emergency, when the leave can begin before formal approval.
5. During the approved leave period, no additional charges are applied.
6. To return before the expected date, an LOA student must send a written request to registrar@mustedu.com; a PLOA student needs written approval from the Registrar's Office and from Academic Affairs.

Deadlines and Rules

• LOA can last up to 180 consecutive days. In general, a student is entitled to one LOA per twelve-month period, but a second one may be approved within the same period, provided the two combined do not exceed 180 days.
• PLOA can last up to 90 consecutive days, and a student is entitled to only one PLOA per twelve-month period.
• A single non-contiguous leave request (in separate periods) may be considered when it is for the same reason, such as a health condition that requires multiple treatments over time.
• If the student does not return on the expected date, they are dismissed from MUST University. Since MUST does not track attendance, the leave's start date becomes the official dismissal date for billing and refund purposes, and a reentry fee may be charged if the student wishes to return later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an LOA or PLOA before completing a semester at MUST?

No. You must have completed at least one full semester at MUST University before requesting either leave.

What is the difference between LOA and PLOA?

LOA covers jury duty, military service, and medical or family reasons aligned with FMLA. PLOA covers reasons that do not fall under LOA, such as job loss, financial hardship, mental health, extended travel, or caring for someone in a situation not covered by LOA.

Can I combine two leaves back to back?

In the case of LOA, a second one may be approved within the same twelve-month period, provided the two combined do not exceed 180 days. PLOA is limited to a single leave per twelve-month period.

What happens if I don't return on the expected date?

The student is dismissed from MUST University, the leave's start date becomes the official dismissal date, and a reentry fee may be charged if they wish to return in the future.

Can I return before the expected end date of my leave?

Yes. For LOA, simply send a written request to registrar@mustedu.com. For PLOA, written approval from the Registrar's Office and from Academic Affairs is required.

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See Also

In the Knowledge Base

• FAQ, Registrar's Office
• Returning to Studies After "Withdrawn/Cancelled" Status