Student Handbook

conferences, organized optometric advocacy trips, optometry meetings, residency interviews, and other professional activities.

Students requesting leave from scheduled classes and/or clinics must request an excused absence for the activities they will miss. Sick leave and personal leave will be accommodated whenever possible, except for long periods of time when a leave of absence may be recommended. Excused absences for personal, sick, or professional reasons may require make ups and is at the discretion of the IOR, respective service chief, and/or the Director of Externships and external primary clinic supervisor. While it is recognized that there are many legitimate reasons for requesting leave and every effort will be made to accommodate requests, student’s successful completion of the professional degree program is the highest priority. As such, students are also expected to prioritize completion of the professional degree program requirements. Accordingly, students should consider their priorities and anticipate and plan all activities involving leave well in advance or by the beginning of each academic year. The Department Chairs and instructors are available for guidance, and to answer any questions. Approval of leave requests will be based on several factors including: • The reason for leave, • The number of leave requests the student has requested, • The student’s academic standing in the professional degree program, • The number of students requesting leave for a particular activity. If a significant number of students request leave, attendance may be capped, and preference will be given to those presenting at the conference. Student Leave Requests from Didactic Courses Students wishing to obtain leave from scheduled didactic courses including lectures, laboratories, and seminars, must refer to the syllabus for the course. Policies regarding leave requests and make-up requirements for specific courses are determined by the IOR. Students with excused absences are responsible for any missed material or assignments and may be required to switch sections to make up a missed lab. Excused absences may be denied if it coincides with a written test, quiz, or practical assessment or if the student’s course performance is unsatisfactory. If a large percentage of the class seeks permission to attend an activity at the same time, the instructor may elect to reschedule or hold class at their discretion. Students are responsible for making up any examinations or assessments missed during their absence. Any change in class or testing schedule to accommodate an excused absence is at the discretion of the IOR. The IOR must notify the Office of Academic Affairs when students are taking exams at times other than when originally scheduled.

Student Leave Requests from Clinic

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