Arizona Culinary Institute Leave of Absence Policy Explained

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Leave of Absence Policy

To ensure that students derive the greatest benefit from their educational experience, it is essential that the program be undertaken as a continuous and uninterrupted course of study. Prolonged absences can significantly hinder information retention and disrupt the learning process. Therefore, Arizona Culinary Institute (ACI) strongly discourages students from taking leaves of absence. Nonetheless, the school acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it may become necessary for a student to temporarily interrupt their studies. In such cases, a student may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) through the Registrar’s Office, in accordance with the school’s policy.

Each student must request the LOA in writing, which must include a detailed explanation for the reason for the leave as well as the length of leave requested. This request should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office on or before the student’s last day of attendance. If unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden illness or the death of an immediate family member, prevent the student from making the request in advance, the student must still submit the written request and later provide a written explanation of why the request could not be made beforehand.

Students may request an LOA for the following:

Requests will be granted for whichever is longer: the number of days until the next class start date, or 45 consecutive days (including weekends and school holidays). In cases where an extension is required, the student will be required to provide a written request to extend the leave prior to expiration of the current leave.

Once a request for leave is received from the student, the Registrar will complete a Student Leave of Absence Acknowledgment Form for circulation among key administrative staff members. The school’s Registrar will review the request and notify the student within five (5) school days.

The Registrar will determine the potential date(s) for the student’s return. Due to space limitations, students may be required to adjust their class schedule upon reentry. Students will be informed of their revised expected graduation date. Typically, students returning from a Leave of Absence (LOA) will not rejoin their original class cohort. Furthermore, placement in the original class schedule is not guaranteed and is subject to space and course availability.

Students should note the following:

A student requesting a LOA must be in good standing with respect to the school’s attendance policy, except in cases involving documented extenuating circumstances. Under no circumstances may a LOA commence prior to the school’s receipt of a written request from the student and the granting of formal approval. For additional details, please refer to the school’s Student Attendance and Absenteeism Policy.
Failure to return from a LOA on the designated date will result in the student being withdrawnfrom the program, with the official date of dismissal recorded as the last date of attendance. Anyapplicable refunds will be processed in accordance with state and federal regulations.
If a student’s Leave of Absence (LOA) exceeds 180 days—whether as a single leave or as the cumulative total of multiple approved leaves within a 12-month period, the student will be withdrawn from the program and will be required to complete the re-enrollment process prior tore turning.
A student receiving federal financial aid is considered to remain enrolled during an approved LOA. However, if the student does not return at the conclusion of the approved leave, they will be deemed to have withdrawn as of their last date of attendance. In such cases, a return of federal funds calculation will be required in accordance with applicable regulations. Additionally, for the purposes of in-school loan deferment, the student will be considered withdrawn as of the last date of attendance, and the 180-day grace period prior to the commencement of loan repayment will be considered to have begun on the first day of the LOA. All students are encouraged to meet with the school’s Financial Aid department before requesting an LOA.
Students on LOA remain enrolled but may not be eligible for certain extracurricular Student Services activities.

Leave of Absence Policy

Students may request an LOA for the following:

Students should note the following:

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