It may sound a little harsh but why would you not be in touch with school to keep yourself abreast of the regulations?  Getting an entire year off?  Do you have any written approval for that?  Most international student advisers are not LPCs or Attorneys, but they are usually well versed in immigration matters.  Seek the adviser's assistance first, then only to the dean and president.  If it is their mistake, they will simply rectify it.  School DSO has been granted enormous power in immigration law.  I am sure it will be taken care of very easily.