Medical Leave of Absence

At times, students need a leave of absence from the university for significant health-related issues. In these circumstances, the student can request a medical leave of absence. The university reserves the right, in its discretion, to determine the length of the leave, taking into consideration the best outcome for the student. The outline below is provided to help reference each stage throughout the medical leave.

The Exit Process

  1. The student should first contact their Academic Dean or Program Director, making them aware of their intention to request a medical leave. Through this contact, the student will be informed of important course of study information surrounding the leave and return process.
  2. The student should contact the Counseling Center to make the office aware of their request if related to mental health. If related to a physical medical condition, the Office of the Dean of Students should be contacted. In either case, the student will be contacted and/or a meeting will be established with the student for additional follow up information related to their request. If the student is an on-campus resident, they are to communicate their move-out plan along with their request.
  3. If approved, the Counseling Center or the Office of the Dean of Students will communicate their approval to the appropriate office so that paperwork can be filed. The student will be provided, in writing, with the information regarding what is required during this leave, to reference if needed.

Upon Exit & During Medical Leave

  1. Students on a medical leave of absence will receive a “W” for each course they are actively enrolled in.
  2. Related to finances, students will be subject to the withdrawal and return policy of the university.
  3. As it pertains to tuition insurance, students who signed up for the Allianz Tuition Insurance can refer to the policy details related to reimbursement for leave.
  4. The student is required to engage and participate in the treatment associated with the issue that was identified at the time of the leave.
  5. If it does not impede treatment, the student will engage in productive activity during the leave as this will aid in managing the academic and social demands upon their return.

Request to Return Procedure

  1. Students wishing to return to school from a medical leave should first contact the office associated with their initial medical leave request (Counseling Center/Office of the Dean of Students). It is important that this request be made at least 21 days prior to the intended semester start date. The timeline of the return is dependent on many factors, including but not limited to the timeliness of documentation submitted by the outside provider(s), the internal review process, and further contact with outside providers if more information is needed. It is possible that these factors will delay the return until the following semester rather than the semester for which the student is initially seeking to return. Students may be asked to provide releases of information with their treatment provider(s). Upon the student’s request to return, the student will provide the following information for each provider associated with their treatment:
    • The name of the licensed provider with specialty in the area in which the student warranted treatment for
    • Provider phone and fax number
    • Provider email
    • Name and location of the treatment center associated with the provider
  2. Depending on the nature of the medical leave, and individual circumstances surrounding the initial leave, the provider will be sent the necessary documentation to be completed. The review process will begin once documentation from all providers has been received. If applicable, the personal statement outlined in section 3 below will also need to be received. For mental health related leaves, this review process is conducted by the Executive Director of Counseling or designee, and if for physical/medical related leaves, reviewed by the Dean of Students or designee.Please note the following:
    • The return will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, including whether a return to academics and/or housing is appropriate.
    • Readmittance to the university does not guarantee readmittance into the student’s previous program. Students should refer to the processes in the program student guide.
    • The university reserves the right, in their discretion, to request a mental health evaluation from an independent provider, at the cost of the student, and at the choosing of the university.
    • The office associated with the leave may request that more information be provided at a later date, if it is determined that the information provided in the documentation is not sufficient.
    • Depending on individual circumstances, and during the review process, the office in receipt of the request to return may involve additional offices as necessary for the review.
    • If the student needs accommodation(s) upon return, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the Office of Student Accessibility for assistance surrounding these needs.
  3. If the reason related to the leave pertains to mental health , students will be asked to submit a personal statement describing (1) the experience away from the University, including activities undertaken (i.e. classes taken, employment, hobbies); (2) their current understanding of the factors that led to the need to take a leave; (3) insights gained from treatment, and (4) how the student will use that insight to make for a successful return
  4. If approved, the appropriate university office will be contacted to process the paperwork; allowing the student to access their account(s) and register for courses.
  5. If not approved, the student may appeal the decision to the Dean of Students, or designee, whose decision shall be final.