Student Affairs

Medical Leave of Absence

When a student experiences a medical condition that negatively affects their coursework, they have the opportunity to withdraw from their courses.  The purpose of a medical leave of absence is to provide a student time away from campus for the treatment of a physical or mental health condition that significantly impacts their ability to function safely or successfully as a member of our community.  The University has designed this process to ensure that students are given the individualized attention, consideration, and support needed to address health issues that arise or escalate during their time at the University. This process also includes provisions for a retroactive medical leave of absence, which provides academic relief for students who experienced a physical or mental health condition that significantly impacted their ability to function safely or successfully and were unable to withdraw in a timely manner due to the circumstances of their condition. 

To determine your eligibility, please review the Medical Leave of Absence and Retroactive Medical Leave of Absence Policy.

To determine if you qualify for a Pregnancy Leave of Absence, please review the Pregnancy and Newly Parenting Policy.  

To apply for a medical leave of absence, complete the Medical Leave of Absence Request Form  and include the following information:

1.  Submit a written statement that addresses:
   1. The purpose and nature of the request for the leave of absence; and how the student will spend the time away from    campus, focusing specifically on what they will do to address the circumstances that led to the leave of absence;
   2. Students requesting a retroactive leave of absence must include an explanation for why they were unable to withdraw or  seek a leave of absence according to published deadlines.
2.  Give explicit permission for the SIUE Medical Leave of Absence Team to share any and all information pertinent to the medical   leave of absence request with the Dean of Students and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (SIUE Medical Release Authorization Form); and 
3.  Provide recent documentation from their treating, licensed healthcare provider that includes, at a minimum: 
   1. The student's medical history relevant to the request;
   2. The approximate date of the onset of the condition (or, if a chronic condition, the date the condition was exacerbated);
   3. An explanation of how the medical condition significantly impacts the student's ability to function safely or successfully as a  member of the University community; 
   4. An explanation of how the medical condition impacted the student's ability to withdraw or seek a leave of absence to published deadlines, for those seeking a retroactive withdrawal;
   5. Information regarding current prescriptions and/or treatment; 
   6.  Treatment plan for medical leave of absence period;
   7. Expected outcome of the treatment during the medical leave of absence period.

Decision: Once all steps have been completed, we will review the request and supporting paperwork. You will receive a decision and/or next steps via the student's email address on file with the University, or to the student's last known home address if there is no current email address on file.

For questions regarding the Medical Leave of Absence process, or to schedule a meeting, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at DeanofStudents@siue.edu or (618) 650-2020.

What a Medical Leave of Absence Does: 

Student Records:  A medical leave of absence will relieve a student of responsibility for uncompleted academic work by withdrawing them from all classes. The student's transcript for a term for which a medical leave of absence has been granted will indicate that the student has withdrawn from their courses without specifying the nature of the reason for that withdrawal in order to protect the privacy of the student. 

Grades: The grading policies and procedures for students who withdraw during a semester will also apply to those who take a medical leave of absence. This means a student may receive a "W" on their transcript for the courses that are dropped due to a medical leave depending on the date they last attended classes. A "W" carries no credit and is not calculated in the grade point average (GPA) but may have an impact on future financial aid eligibility.

Students who are granted a retroactive medical leave of absence will have their grades changed to a "WR." A "WR" carries no credit and is not calculated in the grade point average (GPA) but may have an impact on future financial aid eligibility.

Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence: 

After a student accepts a medical leave of absence, the student will be provided written notice detailing the conditions the student must meet to return to the University, the rationale for those conditions, and the first semester for which the student may request to return.

A student who has taken a medical leave of absence from the University must request to return by completing a Request to Return from Medical Leave Absence Form.  The request will be considered if the student:

1. Explains how they spent their time away from campus, focusing specifically on what was done to address the circumstances that led to the leave of absence;
2. Gives permission for the SIUE Medical Leave of Absence Team to share any and all information pertinent to evaluating the request;
3. Provides documentation, which must be current within 90 days of its submission, from a licensed healthcare provider that includes, at a minimum:
   1. Documentation regarding their work with the student;
   2. Documentation regarding the student's clinical status;
   3. A statement of opinion regarding the student's readiness to resume academic study and university life;
   4. A signed Release of Information allowing the licensed healthcare provider to communicate with the members of the SIUE Medical Leave of Absence Team and Dean of Students.
4. Submits any other documentation necessary to demonstrate that the conditions for return have been met.
5. Submits all materials by the following deadlines:
   1. November 1st for Spring semester return
   2. April 1st for Summer semester return
   3. June 1st for Fall semester return

You will not be able to return if your Medical Leave of Absence paperwork is submitted after these dates.

Students will be notified of the decision to return via SIUE email or home address. The student will then be required to meet with the Dean of Students Office staff for a transition meeting. They will also need to meet with a representative from their College/School prior to enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm really struggling this semester, but I'm not sure if Medical Leave of Absence is right for me. How do I know?

A Medical Leave of Absence is a necessary process for many students experiencing physical or mental conditions and/or a serious injury that prevents them from meeting the normal expectations of a student. During a Medical Leave of Absence consultation, you can discuss if this process is the right option for you based on your unique circumstances. 

What happens in a Medical Leave of Absence consultation? 

During a Medical Leave of Absence consultation, you will meet with a staff member who will walk you through the steps of a Medical Leave of Absence and answer any questions from you or your family members. 

Can I withdraw from only one of my classes through a Medical Leave of Absence? 

A leave of absence is typically only granted to students who withdraw from all courses. In rare circumstances, exceptions may be granted for a student to drop one or more courses under this Policy, if the medical circumstances are well-documented and explain the selective nature of the academic impact.

What is the deadline for requesting a Medical Leave of Absence?

If seeking a medical leave from the current semester, the requests should be submitted prior to the end of the term (last day of classes prior to finals week) as close as possible to the last date of class attendance and prior to taking any final exams.  If you are requesting a Retroactive Medical Leave of Absence, the request should be submitted within one year from the last day of class for the semester in which the leave of absence is sought.

What are the financial impacts of a Medical Leave of Absence?

Students who are approved for a Medical Leave of Absence may qualify for a refund of tuition and fees. Please note that Housing fees are not eligible for a refund. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the Office of Student Financial Aid, will review the student's eligibility for a refund of tuition and eligible fees. Unless a refund would cause an even more significant financial burden, most students can expect to receive a refund of tuition and eligible fees. Students who have received financial aid may owe the University and/or Federal Government money, so it is recommended that the student contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to discuss any possible financial aid consequences. If the student owes a balance or receives financial aid, getting a refund of tuition and eligible fees may not mean that the student will receive money back. 

Will my scholarship or financial aid be impacted as a result of my Medical Leave of Absence?

Withdrawing from the University can sometimes have an impact on financial aid and scholarships. If you have any questions, please consult with the Office of Financial Aid.

Will I be reimbursed for my housing?

Housing fees are non-refundable.

Can I request a medical leave of absence from a previous semester?

Yes, you can request a Retroactive Medical Leave of Absence up to one year from the last day of class for the semester in which the leave of absence is sought. 

I need more time off. How do I medically withdraw from the next semester?

You do not need to take a Medical Leave of Absence for a future term. The Medical Leave of Absence is for a current term or one in the previous year. 

Will my Medical leave of Absence cancel my registration for the next semester?

Yes, students who accept a medical leave of absence will have any future registration canceled. 

For any questions regarding the Medical Leave of Absence process or to schedule a meeting, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at DeanofStudents@siue.edu or (618)-650-2020.