The Design Studies Institute allows students who must interrupt their studies for a compelling reason to be exempt from the Continuous Registration requirement through being approved for a Leave of Absence. Leave for a given term cannot be processed at any time after the final day of classes for that term.
Students who intend to take a Leave of Absence must submit a request in writing to support@dsi.edu.ai detailing the reason for why the leave is requested. Students who intend to take a Medical Leave of Absence must submit appropriate medical documentation with their request.
Until students are informed that the leave has been processed, they should assume that they are registered and will be expected to fulfill their academic and/or financial responsibilities, including completing coursework. Varying percentages of fees may be refunded, depending on the type of fee and the date when a student’s leave was requested, as outlined in the Fee Refund Policy.
Leaves of absence have specific time restrictions based on the type of leave a student is requesting, with limits based on the cumulative time away from the academic program:
Medical Leave
Voluntary or Personal Leave
Military Leave
Students who take a leave of absence or who do not register for the term are not considered to be active DSI students, and will not be able to fulfill requirements for their academic program while they are not registered and/or on leave. Students who have not registered for any classes by the end of the add/drop period will not be allowed to enroll that term and must file for a leave of absence or withdrawal.
Students who do not return from a leave of absence based on their specified return date will be administratively withdrawn and will need to apply for readmission to their academic program.
Leaves of absence have specific guidelines and privileges, based on the leave that is requested:
Medical Leave
When students are faced with medical or mental health concerns that may impact study habits, course attendance, or class preparation, they are urged to consider taking a medical leave of absence from their academic program. A student who must interrupt study temporarily because of physical or mental health concerns may request a Medical Leave. The medical or mental health professional who has been providing treatment to the student will, with the student's written consent, confirm in writing that a Medical Leave is warranted. Students who are hospitalized during an academic term or who miss class for more than two weeks due to health issues are advised to take a medical leave from the term in progress.
Students must provide documentation from a health care provider whose specialty is appropriate to the associated condition to support their requests for medical leaves of absence during the specified time requested.
If a student does not return from a leave upon completion of the agreed upon time, they will be considered withdrawn from the program and must reapply to return. During the leave, if a student determines that they cannot return at the agreed upon date, the student may request an extension of the leave of absence. In order to be eligible for an extension, the student must provide updated documentation concerning the reason for the extension.
Voluntary or Personal Leave
A voluntary or personal leave from the Institute is granted to students who wish to take time away from their studies for a variety of reasons, including employment opportunities, personal or family circumstances, the desire to travel, or simply to gain perspective on their academic and career priorities.
Unless a student is granted an exception in extenuating circumstances, a student is permanently withdrawn after they exceed the maximum time period and must reapply for admission through the school’s regular admissions process.
Military Leave
Any student who is a member of a state organized militia and is called or ordered to active duty will be granted a military leave of absence for the period of active duty.
Upon return from military leave of absence, the student will be restored to the educational status attained prior to being called or ordered to such duty without loss of academic credits earned. DSI will credit any fees paid for the period of the military leave of absence to the next enrollment period. A student who does not submit a timely notification of intent or provide an attestation within the designated time limits may not be eligible for the benefits outlined herein.
