Leave of Absence & Withdrawal Policy

Purpose:
The Leave of Absence & Withdrawal Policy provides a clear, fair process for students who need to temporarily step away from training or permanently withdraw from the Welding Foundations & Industrial Safety program. This policy protects students, maintains program integrity, and ensures compliance with Washington State private vocational school regulations.

Leave of Absence (LOA)

A Leave of Absence may be granted only when it does not compromise safety, instruction, or program flow

Eligibility for LOA

A student may request a Leave of Absence for:

  • Medical reasons
  • Family emergencies
  • Required legal or DOC‑related obligations
  • Tribal or agency‑required appointments
  • Other serious circumstances approved by the school

LOA Requirements

  • The request must be submitted in writing
  • The reason for the leave must be stated
  • Documentation may be required (medical note, court document, agency letter, etc.)

LOA Duration

  • A Leave of Absence may not exceed 14 calendar days
  • Only one LOA may be granted per student per program

Longer absences disrupt safety, skill progression, and shop continuity.

Impact of LOA on Training

During a Leave of Absence:

  • The student is not charged additional tuition
  • The student may not participate in training activities
  • The student may not be in the shop or use equipment
  • The student must resume training on the agreed return date

If the student does not return on the scheduled date, they may be withdrawn from the program.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Administrative Withdrawal

A student may withdraw from the program at any time.

To withdraw, the student must:

  • Submit a written notice (email, text, or signed letter) stating their intent to withdraw
  • Include the date of the request

The last date of attendance is used to calculate refunds, not the date the notice is submitted.

The school may withdraw a student for:

  • Non‑payment
  • Failure to return from a Leave of Absence
  • Failure to meet attendance requirements
  • Safety or conduct violations (see Termination Policy)

Administrative withdrawal is treated the same as voluntary withdrawal for refund purposes.

Withdrawal Due to Non‑Attendance

Refunds After Withdrawal

If a student stops attending without notice:

  • The school may withdraw the student after three consecutive missed days
  • The last date of attendance will be used for refund calculation

This prevents manipulation of attendance records and protects program integrity.

Refunds are calculated according to the Refund Policy and Washington State regulations.
Key points:

  • Refunds are based on the last date of attendance
  • Refunds are issued within 30 calendar days
  • Refunds go to the student or funding agency, depending on who paid

Withdrawal does not eliminate financial responsibility for tuition owed.

Re‑Enrollment After Withdrawal

Documentation

A student who withdraws in good standing may request re‑enrollment in a future cohort.

Re‑enrollment depends on:

  • Space availability
  • Reason for withdrawal
  • Safety and conduct history
  • Instructor recommendation
  • Tuition status

Re‑enrollment is not guaranteed and may require an updated enrollment agreement.

FORGE maintains records of:

  • Withdrawal notices
  • Leave of Absence requests
  • Attendance records
  • Refund calculations
  • Re‑enrollment decisions

Records are kept according to state retention requirements.