The expectation for SJV PRIME+ is that students complete the program in 8 years (4 years baccalaureate + 4 years medical school). However, we understand the path for each student may not be linear. If extenuating circumstances occur, we encourage students to seek advice early to ensure their well-being is prioritized and to explore options. A student may be granted a leave of absence (LOA) when there is a prolonged period of time during which the student anticipates being unable to complete program requirements, such as in the case of unexpected personal, family, or health events. During this time, all curricular and co-curricular activities should be paused. Students may NOT request an LOA to complete any MedEd Core coursework. Note: This policy applies only to students in the SJV PRIME+ program who have not yet matriculated to the UCSF School of Medicine.
If the need arises for students to temporarily leave the SJV PRIME+ program, requests should be made in writing to the UC Merced Director of Medical Education and will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the School of Medicine Readiness Committee (SRC). Students will be permitted to take an LOA for up to a maximum of 1 full academic year, either continuously or in parts.
Additionally, SJV PRIME+ students who wish to take a leave of absence from UC Merced (including all SJV PRIME+ coursework) must adhere to this SJV PRIME+ Leave of Absence Policy in addition to the policy on educational leave as outlined by the UC Merced Office of the Registrar. This would include submission of the Leaving UC Merced form online.
SJV PRIME+ leadership will be informed of all non-emergency and emergency leaves of absence (LOA/ELOA) at the Executive Committee Meeting following approval of the LOA/ELOAs.
Non-emergency Leave of Absence (LOA):
Requests for non-emergency LOA must be submitted a minimum of one semester in advance of the LOA start date.
Students must be meeting the SJV PRIME+ program requirements and be in good standing* in order to request a non-emergency LOA.
Requests for non-emergency LOA submitted after a student’s sixth academic semester will require special approval. Approval of late-term LOA requests will be made by the UCSF Associate Dean for Regional Campuses in consultation with the UC Merced Director of Medical Education and UCSF Associate Dean for Admissions.
Students may not enroll in coursework at any university or college while on a LOA to encourage focus on student well-being.
Students should meet with UC Merced Financial Aid offices, if applicable, to ensure financial aid packages are not impacted by LOA.
Students must meet with Pre-Health Advising upon reentry to the program to ensure a smooth transition as they resume coursework
Emergency Leave of Absence (LOA):
In case of an emergency, the Director of the Department of Medical Education (DOME) may grant an emergency LOA/ELOA in consultation with the SRC.
Students who request an ELOA do not need to be meeting the SJV PRIME+ program requirements and will not be required to submit a student petition one semester in advance. Pre-Health Advising will assist the student with submitting a student petition and withdrawing from SJV PRIME+ related coursework.
Students will be encouraged to meet with advisors from their respective majors to withdraw from any other coursework that is not related to SJV PRIME+ requirements.
Students may not enroll in coursework at any university or college while on ELOA to encourage focus on the improvement of the student well-being and/or emergency.
Students should meet with UC Merced Financial Aid offices, if applicable, to ensure financial aid packages are not impacted by ELOA.
