Revisions to the Catalog

This catalog addendum contains new and updated information, as well as corrections of errors in the original catalog. The updates listed in this addendum apply to the 2025-2026 catalog:

Effective Monday, July 28

Leave of Absence or Administrative Leave of Absence

An approved leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption within a semester or can be a planned leave after the end of a semester, if the status meets LOA criteria, in an ongoing program for a specific period of time. Students must formally request an LOA with the Office of the Registrar to maintain enrollment status by completing the LOA form. Failure to request an LOA may result in loss of good standing with AMDA. For US citizens or permanent residents receiving federal or private loans, funds already received by the student are to be returned to the lender, depending on the date of the student’s LOA. Federal grant awards such as FSEOG, Pell and institutional awards (e.g., AMDA scholarships) may also be decreased. F-1 International Students must meet with the International Student Affairs Office for impacts of leave on a student’s international student status.

A leave of absence for up to one semester or to the maximum of 180 days since the last day of attendance is granted to students who anticipate returning to AMDA to complete their studies. Students requesting an LOA must be in good standing and making satisfactory academic progress toward a program. Students are required to officially notify the Office of the Registrar in writing, by submitting the form and provide supporting documentation for reinstatement before resuming their studies at AMDA. Students who do not return to continue their studies within one semester will be withdrawn from the program. The withdrawal date on record will be the last date of the LOA or the date the student communicates a decision to withdraw.

A leave of absence may also be initiated by staff when a specific situation requires such action. In these instances, and only after a thorough review and discussion by AMDA staff has occurred with the student, staff will initiate the leave status. These instances pertain only to situations where the student is unable to submit the form.

Federal guidelines state the maximum period of time allowed for an approved LOA is 180 days within a 12-month period.  If the student is granted one LOA, and then is granted a second LOA, the total period of both LOAs cannot exceed 180 days within the 12-month period.

A leave of absence must fall into one of the following categories: 

Family
If the student is presented with childcare issues, loss of a family member or unexpected medical care of family, the student may request a leave of absence. A leave of absence for family care will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Financial
A student may request a Financial Leave if they need additional time to secure funding or financial aid to apply towards outstanding current or future charges or payments. Students approved for a Financial LOA must be cleared by both the Student Accounts and Financial Aid departments before being approved to return. Students approved for a Financial LOA must be cleared to return after one semester on LOA or they will be withdrawn.

Medical (Injury, Mental Health)
Documentation from a physician or qualified medical practitioner is required for an approved medical leave of absence. Likewise, documentation from a physician or qualified medical practitioner approving the continuation of studies is also required as supporting documentation for readmission. If there is sufficient information to suggest that, because of physical or psychological illness, the student is engaging in or is likely to engage in behavior that could lead to injury to self or others, AMDA may place the student on a medical leave of absence for reasons of personal or community safety.

Military
In the event the student is called to active military duty, a copy of their military orders must be provided to the Registrars Office to arrange for a military leave of absence. Military leave of absence is available only to students in receipt of United States military active duty orders.

Professional Opportunity
Leaves of absence for professional opportunities will only be considered in a student’s final semester