Student-Initiated Medical Leave
Students may initiate a leave from the College for medical or mental health reasons. At the discretion of the Dean of Students (or designee), and subject to the refund policies of the College, arrangements may be made for partial or complete refund of tuition and/or fees. Arrangements for incomplete grades or other academic accommodations may be made as well, subject to the approval of the Dean of the College in collaboration with the Academic Dean. Modifications to housing contracts may also be possible with the approval of the Dean of Students.
The student is permitted to return upon the end of the designated leave. Students are expected to follow any conditions outlined and agreed to prior to the leave. Students are expected to include a letter from the medical or mental health professional who provided care to the student during his or her leave. The contents of the letter shall include medical verification that the student has taken steps to treat the condition that led to the leave, and that the student is ready to return to school, and does not pose a threat to himself or herself or to the health and safety of others. Additionally, students are expected to provide information regarding their current mental/medical health status, current diagnosis and prognosis, prescribed medications, treatment recommendations, and recommended accommodations. The student will be expected to provide permission for the providers to review the circumstances leading to the leave and to engage in discussion with the College providers reviewing the student’s materials. This letter should be sent to the Director of Student Counseling or Director of Student Health Services, whoever is the appropriate service given the circumstances of the original leave. The student will be expected to provide signed consents to the appropriate Director in order to allow communications with the outside health provider as needed, and the College, to provide information regarding return. Any conditions should be designed to ensure the success of the student upon return to the College.