FAQs

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is a temporary break from school for personal reasons, while a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) is specifically for health-related reasons and requires medical documentation.

If you need to support your immediate family during a medical emergency or loss, you may request a Temporary Emergency Leave of Absence for up to 14 days. Please visit the Dean of Students Office, and we will walk you through the process with care. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as a medical note or a death certificate, depending on the situation. If travel is required, please note that you are responsible for the cost of your own flight. We’re here to support you and help you navigate this difficult time.

If you have an academic issue with a professor, please contact the Academic Dean assigned to your major. You can find a complete list of Academic Deans here: Academic Deans List. They are the appropriate resource for addressing and resolving academic concerns.

For additional guidance, you may also refer to the Student Academic Grievance Policy.

Housing matters are outside of Dean James Faustino’s jurisdiction. For housing-related issues—including questions about housing fees, accommodations, appeals, reviews, or considerations—please contact:

Housing Office
Email: housing@byuh.edu
Office: (808) 675-3534

or

Spencer Mauai
Property Management Supervisor, Residential Life
Email: spencer.mauai@byuh.edu

He will be able to assist you with any housing concerns.

It depends on how much time you think you’ll need. If you only need a semester off, an LOA (Leave of Absence) might be the best option, but keep in mind that it counts toward your 4-year graduation limit. If you think you’ll need more than a semester, it’s better to discontinue. Discontinuance won’t count against your 4-year allotment and gives you more flexibility if you’re unsure how long you’ll need.

Before scheduling an appointment with Dean James Faustino, please consider the following:

• Have you met with the Financial Aid Office to explore options?
• Have you discussed your remaining balance with family or your bishop for possible support?
• Would taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) give you time to work and return later?
• Have you looked into arranging a payment plan with the school to stay enrolled while resolving your balance?

Once you’ve looked into these steps, we can better understand your situation and how the Dean may be able to support you.

The solution depends on the type of hold you have. If it’s a financial hold, you should contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance. If it’s an academic hold, please reach out to your Academic Advisor, who can guide you in resolving the issue so you can register for your classes. For a health center hold, you’ll need to visit the Health Center directly. In certain circumstances, our office assistants may also be able to help, and if needed, we can schedule an appointment for you to meet with the Dean.

Typically, students are allowed only one Leave of Absence (LOA) during their undergraduate studies. This policy helps ensure that students graduate within the 12-semester (4-year) allotment to complete their degree. To ensure you are on track for graduation, please reach out to your Academic Advisor, who can review your academic plan and provide guidance specific to your situation.

You’re not eligible for a formal Leave of Absence (LOA) yet, as LOAs are typically granted after completing one year (three semesters) at BYU–Hawaii.

This is especially important for international students, since visa regulations do not allow them to take a Leave of Absence until they have completed at least one full year of study at BYU–Hawaii.

That said, you still have several options available:

1. Discontinuance – This option allows you to take a longer break than a semester by formally discontinuing your enrollment. When you’re ready to return, you’ll simply need to explain your reason for leaving, provide a current bishop’s endorsement, and confirm that you are returning to continue your studies. This process is generally straightforward.
2. Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) – If your need to leave is health-related, you may qualify for an MLOA. To qualify, you’ll need to provide a medical note from a healthcare professional. Once approved, this will allow you to step away temporarily and return the following semester without issue .
3. Revised Academic Map – Meet with your Academic Advisor to review how a leave may affect your graduation timeline. Your advisor can help create a revised academic map that shows how your graduation plan adjusts with or without a leave.

This is a complex situation that often involves personal choice, financial considerations, and potential visa consequences—such as the risk of being physically separated from your spouse or needing to adjust your visa status. Because every case is unique, it’s important to seek guidance before making a decision.

We strongly encourage you to meet with the following offices for support and advice.

• International Student Services (ISS): to understand visa requirements and possible impacts.
• IWORK Office (if applicable): to review how your plans may affect financial aid and program eligibility.
• Academic Advising: to create or adjust your graduation plan.
• Dean of Students Office: to discuss personal, academic, and logistical considerations.

We understand this can be a difficult and stressful situation. Our goal is to help you explore your options thoroughly so you can make the best decision for you and your family.