In extenuating circumstances, students may apply for an Interruption of Training (IOT) for 90 days per Academic Year (2 Semesters). Students are required to complete the request form with a Student Advisor, which must include the following information: specific reason for the IOT, date IOT starts (must be equal to first scheduled class day missed), and date of return to classes (cannot exceed 90 days in an Academic Year). An interruption of training will affect the expected graduation date of the program. It is recommended that financial aid recipients considering an Interruption of Training consult their Financial Aid Administrator about the probable effect it will have on projected grant and loan disbursements. While on IOT, students will not receive Federal Direct Loan disbursements (Stafford, Parent Plus, or Grad Plus) for either tuition payment or living expense stipends. Current financial aid funding may change, and future financial aid eligibility may be delayed and changed by the length of time the student is on a leave. A student may be required to complete additional financial aid application forms based on the timing of their IOT within the financial aid period. Only students who maintain satisfactory progress with a GPA of 1.0 or higher will be granted an IOT. Students not communicating and/or not returning to school at the scheduled end of an official IOT are withdrawn.
Interruption of Training for International Students
International students who are studying on the F-1 visa are required to complete at least one full Academic Year (2 semesters) to be eligible for an annual vacation. An annual vacation is allowed only once per year. Students are required to complete the request form with a Student Advisor, which must include the following information: specific reason for the annual vacation, date annual vacation starts (must be equal to the first scheduled class day missed), and date of return to classes (cannot exceed 90 days). F-1 students must intend to register for classes in the academic term following their annual vacation. Annual vacations must be approved by the student’s Academic Advisor and Designated School Official (DSO). Only students who maintain their F-1 status and satisfactory academic progress with a GPA of 1.0 or higher will be granted an annual vacation. Students not communicating and/or not returning to school at the scheduled end of an official annual vacation will be dismissed, and their F-1 visa will be terminated.
International students who are studying on the F-1 visa in the Intensive English program, and who qualify for an annual vacation, must receive annual vacation approval from their Intensive English Program Director, in addition to their Academic Advisor and Designated School Official (DSO).
Interruption of Training for Active Military Students
In an effort to support our students who are members of the armed forces, Full Sail University will allow active military personnel one additional IOT period during a 12-month period. The combined IOT periods cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
Return From Interruption of Training
Students must contact a Student Advisor at least 2 weeks prior to returning from their IOT to confirm their return. A Return from IOT form will be initiated by the Student Advisor, and the student must be cleared by all departments before a schedule to return to classes is generated. Students returning from IOT should confirm clearance to return with their Student Advisor the week prior to start of new classes. Schedules may be accessed through Full Sail Online (FSO) or from a Student Advisor.