TESC Leave of Absence?

[crownofhope]

So I noticed Thomas Edison has this form: http://www.tesc.edu/documents/LOA_form.pdf. Apparently it's for the when students have work overload, family crisis, or financial setback, and this gives them to the opportunity to put their degree on hold while they deal with whatever issue for up to 12 months.

Has anyone used this or known anyone who has? I wanted some clarification on it. To me it looks like some beautiful loophole that will allow me to essentially put my 1 year enrollment on a 12 month hold and while I won't receive normal student benefits (like advising), my degree requirements are set in stone for my return and I won't have to adapt to any changes that may happen in my leave of absence. If this is true, it's almost like two years for the price of one (plus $67 ). Ideally, I would like take advantage of this to enroll, affix my degree plan with an adviser so I can make sure I'm not gonna be hurt by any future requirement changes, submit the Leave of Absence, still have at least 11 months on my first annual enrollment, finish what I can of my degree without technically using up my enrollment, and then terminate my absence, pay the itty bitty fee, and have my 11 months to finish my degree and graduate.

This looks too good to be true, which is why I'm asking about it! I will try to call TESC about it but they aren't the most accommodating staff.

Laura

[cooperalex2004]

So I noticed Thomas Edison has this form: http://www.tesc.edu/documents/LOA_form.pdf. Apparently it's for the when students have work overload, family crisis, or financial setback, and this gives them to the opportunity to put their degree on hold while they deal with whatever issue for up to 12 months.

Has anyone used this or known anyone who has? I wanted some clarification on it. To me it looks like some beautiful loophole that will allow me to essentially put my 1 year enrollment on a 12 month hold and while I won't receive normal student benefits (like advising), my degree requirements are set in stone for my return and I won't have to adapt to any changes that may happen in my leave of absence. If this is true, it's almost like two years for the price of one (plus $67 ). Ideally, I would like take advantage of this to enroll, affix my degree plan with an adviser so I can make sure I'm not gonna be hurt by any future requirement changes, submit the Leave of Absence, still have at least 11 months on my first annual enrollment, finish what I can of my degree without technically using up my enrollment, and then terminate my absence, pay the itty bitty fee, and have my 11 months to finish my degree and graduate.

This looks too good to be true, which is why I'm asking about it! I will try to call TESC about it but they aren't the most accommodating staff.

Laura

The wording of it looks like it freezes the program itself but that you have to pay a new enrollment fee upon return. It recommends waiting until the end of your year to "make good use" of the program so it sounds like it is a way to freeze things but will end up charging you for another enrollment year no matter how long you leave (with a limit of one year before things would all reset). You'd have to check with the school on this as I've not seen anyone utilize this before.

[defscarlett]

I think the best "loop hole" out there is the pay per credit tuition plan using TECEPs even if you plan on paying the enrollment fee eventually, if you just take one TECEP you're locked in for a year, and then the next year you can either take another TECEP for an additional year enrollment locked in and rinse repeat until you're ready to pay the enrollment fee.

[bricabrac]

I agree with defscarlett, it would be best to use the PPC tuition plan by registering for one TECEP @ $111 (OOS) per year until ready to complete degree.

It would seem a bit suspicious to enroll, then immediatey apply for a leave of absence. You can register for a TECEP and have up to three months to take the exam. Even extend that time for a nominal fee for another two months if not ready. This leaves all student benefits available and you can continue to chip away at courses/exams at your leisure. As suggested you will always have the ability to switch to enrolled options tuition plan, if you so desire at a later date.

I don't know what courses you've already taken but CIS-107, COM-210, ENC-101, ENC-102, ENG-201, MAT-105, and PSY-270 are the easiest TECEP exams to start. Of course ease will depend on your strengths and/or area of interest.

Good luck!

[crownofhope]

I've taken a few TECEPs already, and I didn't get any student advising or anything "locked in" for any amount of time. Requirements still changed on me because I was not enrolled as a "normal" student but as non-degree seeking just to take my TECEPs. I'm not sure I'm following this loop hole...

[ctwins]

I've taken a few TECEPs already, and I didn't get any student advising or anything "locked in" for any amount of time. Requirements still changed on me because I was not enrolled as a "normal" student but as non-degree seeking just to take my TECEPs. I'm not sure I'm following this loop hole...

So, do you have access to MyEdison/student services? Does it indicate your enrollment is active? I would love to take advantage of this no-man's land of enrollment without an enrollment fee. Has anyone graduated TESC with this loophole?

[jawbreakingrr]

When was the last time you've taken a TECEP? I'm enrolled for one now, which started today. It still shows up as applicant on my status. I was told it takes a few weeks for it to change to enrolled status from applicant status. Also, are you active or inactive student? I had to submit a reactivation form along with a $75 fee. It's pretty much like doing an application without filling out 100 questions. One page, just your name, address, student ID#, and what degree you're seeking or adding. If you're inactive you can't speak with an advisor. Check OSS in the my student ID or my profile link and it will show your status. I have been on the phone and creating tickets left and right in the past couple of weeks. Everyone has different answers, get it in writing as it has save my a*s plenty of times. Don't be shy about asking questions when creating a ticket. You'll be surprised how much TESC will help you and they have been very quick with solutions. Good luck!

[laughter]

When was the last time you've taken a TECEP? I'm enrolled for one now, which started today. It still shows up as applicant on my status. I was told it takes a few weeks for it to change to enrolled status from applicant status.

Just thought I'd pop in and mention that your applicant status should change to enrolled on the 10th day of the term. Should be pretty soon.

[jawbreakingrr]

Thanks, now I know. It's funny because I spoke with two people at TESC before who stated that it will not change my status. Eight more days to go and I'll be officially enrolled.

Just thought I'd pop in and mention that your applicant status should change to enrolled on the 10th day of the term. Should be pretty soon.

[laughter]

Thanks, now I know. It's funny because I spoke with two people at TESC before who stated that it will not change my status. Eight more days to go and I'll be officially enrolled.

Did you apply to TESC and register for the TECEP as a degree-seeking student? For non-degree seeking students (some register for TECEPs/courses to transfer to other institutions), it might work differently. Otherwise, you would be automatically enrolled under the Per Credit Tuition Plan.