The Leave of Absence (LOA) policy at Texas Chiropractic College establishes a standardized process for students to request a temporary break from their studies while ensuring compliance with Title IV regulations. This policy applies to all enrolled students and allows them to maintain their in-school status for loan deferment during the LOA. To be eligible, students must have completed at least one trimester, though new students in their first trimester of study are exempt from this requirement. Students must also provide a legitimate, documented reason for the leave, such as medical issues or family emergencies. The maximum duration of an LOA is 180 days within a 12-month period, and while multiple leaves are allowed, the total duration cannot exceed 180 days. Students must submit a completed LOA Request Form with supporting documentation to the Office of the Registrar at least 30 days before the desired start date. The LOA Committee reviews these requests and makes a final decision within three business days, with no option for appeal. During the LOA, students' financial aid status remains unchanged, but they are ineligible for additional Title IV funds. If a student does not return from the LOA, the withdrawal date will be considered as the start of the LOA, potentially affecting financial aid repayment obligations. Upon returning, students resume their studies from where they left off, and all LOA records are maintained in the student's academic file by the Office of the Registrar.