Full Sail University understands that students may require time away from their studies due to extenuating and temporary personal circumstances that adversely impact continuing studies. This policy outlines the process for all students requesting an interruption of training (IOT), a formally authorized break from studies. The University offers a standard IOT for term (month) two or three of a semester and an extended IOT for periods up to 90 days.
Requesting an Interruption of Training
Students who would like to request an IOT are required to complete a form (the form can be accessed on Full Sail One) with a Student Advocate before the break in their studies. Prior to completing the written request, students should discuss their reasons for the interruption and expected return date with their Student Advocate. Approvals of IOT requests are entirely at the discretion of the University and cannot begin until approved in writing. Note that IOTs may have an impact on academic progress and eligibility for outside funding sources and student loan repayment, and therefore the impacts should be considered as part of the request.
The University requires the student to demonstrate extenuating circumstances, such as health reasons, parental leave, family situations, or other personal conditions that adversely impact studies, to approve an IOT. As such, the student must provide the reason for the IOT in writing and the expected return date. Except in unusual circumstances and at the discretion of the University, students must be meeting satisfactory progress standards at the time of the request to be granted an IOT.
Duration of an Interruption of Training
The impact and duration of an IOT will depend on the timing and the type requested. The University will approve a standard IOT request for one term (month) within a semester when the request is made after the start of a semester. The interruption in training must occur in the second or third month of the semester. Otherwise, the student must request an extended IOT. Students may require an extended IOT based on documented extenuating circumstances. An extended IOT will only be granted for a maximum of 90 days within an academic year (2 semesters). The student may not be on an IOT for more than 180 days within a 12-month period.
Potential Impacts of an Interruption of Training
While on an IOT, students will not receive Federal Direct Loan disbursements (Subsidized/Unsubsidized, Parent Plus, or Grad Plus) for either tuition payments 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 an IOT. The University does not assess charges for any IOT.
An IOT will also affect the student's expected program graduation date. Students will be notified of their expected graduation date on their student portal. As such, a student may be required to complete additional financial aid application forms based on the timing of their IOT within the financial aid academic year. It is recommended that financial aid recipients considering an IOT also consult their Financial Aid Administrator about the probable effect it will have on projected grant and loan disbursements.
During a standard one-term IOT occurring in term (month) two or three within the semester, the University considers the student to still be enrolled based on the student’s intention to return to a class later in the same semester, and the student is not considered withdrawn for federal financial aid purposes.
During an extended IOT period when the student is not registered for any classes, the University considers the student still enrolled without accruing additional charges based on the student’s intention to return to classes within 90 days. Essentially, the University holds the student’s seat in the program for the duration of an extended IOT. However, the student is considered withdrawn for federal financial aid purposes.
When the student is considered withdrawn for federal financial aid purposes, the student’s aid for that semester may be recalculated with any unearned aid returned to the federal programs. Additionally, if the student is considered withdrawn for federal financial aid purposes, the student may enter the six-month grace period before loan repayment begins and be required to complete exit loan counseling. However, upon return from the IOT, the grace period progression toward loan repayment stops and resets back to six months.
Return From Interruption of Training
The duration of a students’ IOT will impact the steps necessary to satisfactorily return. Students returning from a standard IOT within a semester will be contacted by their Student Advocate to confirm their scheduled return date. Students returning from an extended IOT must be cleared by all departments before a schedule to return to classes is generated. Students returning from an IOT should confirm clearance to return with their Student Advocate the week prior to the start of new classes. Schedules may be accessed through Full Sail One or by contacting a Student Advocate.
Students who do not secure approval for an extended IOT or return to school at the scheduled end of an official IOT are withdrawn from the program and for federal financial aid purposes. The program withdrawal date is the last day of attendance before the IOT.
Students taking an IOT should be aware that course curriculum and University policies may be subject to change while taking a break from their studies. Students are expected to read University messaging while on an IOT by accessing their University email and text messages throughout the interruption and prior to returning.
Third-Party Requests for Interruption of Training
The University may grant an IOT in extraordinary circumstances following notification from a third party (on behalf of the student) that the student is unable to submit an IOT request themselves. This may include, but is not limited to, severe illness/hospitalization or other urgent personal concerns that prevent the student from submitting a request. The University will review the student’s circumstances and the nature of the third-party request prior to approval. Once the student is able to do so, they must complete the required IOT request form.
Annual Vacation 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 12-month period. Students are required to complete the request form with a Student Advisor. F-1 students must confirm they 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 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 extended IOT period during a 12-month period. The combined IOT periods cannot exceed 180 days within a 12-month period.
Students who are members of the armed forces needing an IOT must follow the same process outlined in this policy for all students. Additionally, those receiving benefits connected to their military service should contact the Military Affairs & Financial Aid Student Services department to discuss the impact of the IOT on their benefits.
NOTE: Students taking individual courses are limited to a one-month leave during a semester.