What Is a Furlough?

What Is a Furlough?

What Is a Furlough? 

A furlough is a temporary pause in a student’s enrollment when a significant personal, medical, professional, or unforseen situation prevents them from completing coursework for a prolonged period of time. Furloughs are intended for serious circumstances and should not be confused with short breaks, extensions, or extra time to manage routine stress. 

Types of Furloughs 

There are two primary types of furloughs: 
  1. Personal Furlough
  2. Medical Furlough 
Both types are designed to support students who are unable to meaningfully participate in their course for an extended duration. 

When a Furlough Is Appropriate 

A furlough may be granted when a student is facing unforseen circumstances that significantly limit their ability to engage in coursework for weeks or months. Examples include, but are not limited to: 
    • A serious injury requiring an extended recovery period (e.g., six months) 
    • A medical condition under investigation (such as seizures) that restricts activities like driving or extended screen use 
    • Military deployment or similar obligations lasting several months and preventing participation in coursework 

When a Furlough Is Not Appropriate 

Furloughs are not intended for situations involving normal or expected stress, including: 
    • Balancing school with work or family responsibilities 
    • Temporary overwhelm or burnout 
    • Requests for additional time without a qualifying prolonged barrier 
In these cases, students should work with Student Support to explore other available options such as a break or a FLEX Request. 

Academic Expectations During a Furlough 

While on furlough: 
  • Students are not required to complete coursework 
  • Students are not required to attend in-person course components, such as: 
    • Skills labs 
    • Clinical or field internships 
    • Capstone internships 
However, if a student’s situation allows: 
    • They are highly encouraged to continue working through coursework as they are able 
    • They may continue studying course material to avoid delaying progress 
    • They may attend in-person course components unless they are on a medical furlough 
Participation during a furlough is optional and should align with the student’s circumstances. 

Medical Furlough Restrictions 

Students on a medical furlough: 
    • Cannot attend in-person course components 
    • Must submit a provider (doctor) note stating no restrictions

      • In-person participation may resume only after Axon receives and accepts this documentation 

Staying Connected During a Furlough 

Students on furlough are encouraged to: 
    • Check in periodically with Student Support 
    • Share updates as their situation evolves 
    • Reach out with questions or concerns at any time 

Duration and Re-Evaluation 

Furloughs are re-evaluated at the six-month mark. Students may return before six months if their situation resolves sooner and they submit proper documentation, if the furlough was for medical reasons. 

Impact on Maximum Course Duration (MCD) 

Any time spent on furlough is added back to the student’s Maximum Course Duration (MCD). For example, if a student is on furlough for 81 days, 81 days will be added to their MCD once the furlough ends. 

How to Request a Furlough 

To request a furlough, please submit a Furlough Request Form.