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To allow time for processing requests for readmission, all required materials must be received by the deadline for the semester you intend to return: o Fall semester: June 15 o Spring semester: Nov. 15 o Summer semester: March 15
Medical Leave of Absence and Involuntary Health-Related Withdrawal Policy
Policy Summary Students may experience life situations, medical conditions, or psychological conditions that significantly impair their ability to function successfully and safely in their role as students. In these instances, a course reduction or time away from the University for treatment and recovery can often restore functioning to a level that will enable a return to the University. The decision to withdraw from a course or leave the University for medical reasons may happen at any time in the semester, independently of otherwise posted withdrawal deadlines. A medical leave, whether voluntary, involuntary or temporary, may be approved when criteria for the leave are met. Reasons for the Policy When a student becomes impaired to the extent of needing a medical leave of absence (MLOA), this impairment often impacts the broader community. There are usually significant advantages to requesting an MLOA. These include: • Students may typically request an MLOA after published withdrawal deadlines have passed. • Students who take an approved MLOA will receive a W for their courses, which will not impact cumulative GPA. • An MLOA may reduce the negative impact on financial aid. • For students with tuition reimbursement insurance, an MLOA generally qualifies a student for benefits. (Students who think they may need to take a MLOA during the coming semester may wish to consider purchasing tuition reimbursement insurance before that semester begins.) • For international students, an MLOA may provide a way to remain in the USA while maintaining legal status. Definitions/Glossary • Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA): a voluntary withdrawal from the University in order to improve mental or physical health, which has been supported by a healthcare provider and approved by the Senior Director of the Center for Academic Success. • Medical Course load Reduction: a voluntary course load reduction after published deadlines for withdrawing from courses, which is granted to improve mental or physical health. • Voluntary interim emergency leave: a temporary leave from the University to accommodate a medical or mental health emergency. • Involuntary Health-Related Withdrawal: an involuntary withdrawal from the University imposed on the student by the University as a result of behavior due to medical or mental health conditions that meet the standards for such withdrawal, as defined below. • Direct Threat: a significant risk to others’ health or safety that cannot be eliminated by the provision of auxiliary aids or services or by a modification of policies, practices, or procedures. • Significant Risk: Behavior with a high probability of substantial harm to the University community, given information concerning the available behavior at the time of consideration. • Substantial Disruption: Behavior that continually and considerably interferes with other students’ participation in academic, extracurricular, housing/residence life, employment, or other university-related activities. Policy A medical leave, whether voluntary, involuntary, or temporary, will be approved when criteria for the leave are met. Students placed on such leave must leave campus as directed by the Senior Director of the Center for Academic Success, or a designee. If accommodations are required upon a student’s re-enrollment, those will be reviewed by the Senior Director of the Center for Academic Success in consultation with appropriate administrators in Health, Counseling & Psychological Services, and/or Disability Services. If no accommodations are required, students will be expected to follow the procedures described below in order to re-enroll.
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