Procedure for Withdrawal, Leave of Absence, and Readmission This policy deals with UCSF medical students who leave the institution through the processes of withdrawal, leave, dismissal, or discontinuation and who subsequently seek readmission to the School, either as a first year student or with Advanced Standing. Categories of separation from the school and associated options. Withdrawal from medical school.  Withdrawals are requested for an indefinite period of time and/or when there is little or no intention of returning to medical school. Withdrawal during the first-year of medical school. A student who withdraws in the first year of medical school for other than health reasons and wishes to return to the school must reapply through the regular first year admissions process as if s/he were a new applicant. If the student withdraws because of illness during the first year, (s)he will be allowed to apply for readmission through the Committee on Advanced Standing for Admissions (see II. below).  (S)he will be required to submit a written statement from a physician concerning her/his health status and ability to succeed as a student.  Permission to reapply does not guarantee readmission. A written petition for withdrawal is made to the UCSF Registrar and approved by the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs. Application for readmission is made in writing to the Associate Dean for Admissions. Withdrawal subsequent to completion of the first year of medical school. Withdrawal may be offered to a student in good standing who has completed one or more years of medical school.  Good standing designates any student not subject to academic probation or disqualification, professional disqualification, or disciplinary disqualification.  A student who is granted a withdrawal may apply for readmission with advanced standing.  Permission to reapply does not guarantee readmission.  Each re-application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In extenuating circumstances and with the approval of the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, a student who is not in good standing may also petition for withdrawal from the School of Medicine. The student will be informed in writing by the School of Medicine at the time of the withdrawal whether (s)he will be permitted to re-apply and under what circumstances. A petition for withdrawal is made to the UCSF Registrar and approved by the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs. Application for readmission is made in writing to the Associate Dean for  Admissions.  This application must be accompanied by the relevant supporting documents, such as letters from the applicant’s physician(s), employer(s), etc. Leave of Absence from Medical School.  Students in good standing may seek a leave of absence for a particular purpose, for a defined period of time and with the intention of returning to medical school.   Returning from such an approved leave of absence requires a re-admission petition.  In extenuating circumstances and with the approval of the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, a student who is not in good standing may also petition for a leave of absence from the School of Medicine. The Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs may grant a student up to a one-year leave of absence for personal, professional or medical reasons.   This leave of absence may be renewed for up to one year at the discretion of the Vice Dean for Education in consultation with the Council of the Faculty. The Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs may grant a student who is enrolled in a formal degree program at another university an extended leave of absence. The student must apply annually in writing for renewal of an extended leave of absence. A student who is not enrolled in an external degree program and who requires a longer leave than two years, or who is denied an extension of his/her leave of absence, must petition for a withdrawal and is advised to consult with the Associate Deans for Admissions and Curricular Affairs.  If the student fails to obtain a withdrawal, the student will be discontinued. Dismissal – Scholastic and/or Professional Disqualification A student who is dismissed for academic reasons or because of professional disqualification is not eligible to apply for readmission. Discontinuation A student who has been discontinued because of failure to report after a leave of absence or failure to register for any required term within one month of its beginning date, is not eligible for readmission. Procedures for review of applications for readmission with Advanced Standing. A student who has withdrawn (but subsequently wishes to return to school) must apply for readmission in writing and submit the required information, as stipulated by the School of Medicine at the time of withdrawal, to the Associate Dean for Admissions. A Committee on Advanced Standing for Admission will review each student’s written application for readmission in light of the entire record and including any required supporting documents.  This Committee may recommend: 1) readmission without conditions; 2) readmission with conditions, 3) denial of readmission until further proof of readiness to return to school can be demonstrated; or 4) denial of readmission. This Committee shall consist of the Associate Dean for Admissions (chair), the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Curricular Affairs, or their designees; and two members of the Admissions Committee. Recommendations of this Committee are advisory to the Vice Dean for Education.  The decision of the Vice Dean for Education is final and no appeals are allowed.