Medical Leave is the mechanism by which Spalding University administratively withdraws a student with a medical condition or whose condition or behavior involves a serious concern of physical harm to him or herself or other persons within the community. Leaves may be voluntary or required and may be granted for a period of no more than 12 consecutive months.

Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence
A student who, due to a serious medical condition that requires extended in-patient treatment in a medical facility and/or ongoing outpatient medical treatment, becomes unable to complete his/her academic requirements and/or who becomes unable to meet the program's technical standards, may voluntarily request a Medical Leave of Absence up to but not more than 12 consecutive months. The request for medical leave is made in writing to the Dean of Students/Compassionate Action Team (CAT).

Students requesting Medical Leave of Absence must:

1. Provide a letter to the Dean of Students/CAT identifying their program of study, the medical reason for the request, the proposed date on which the leave would begin, and the proposed date of reenrollment, and;
2. Provide the Dean of Students/CAT documentation of the medical condition from a licensed health care professional directly involved in the treatment of the student's particular condition that is sufficiently comprehensive to facilitate the decision-making process. Documentation should be submitted with the letter requesting the medical leave of absence.

Process and Procedure
The Dean of Students/CAT will make a determination regarding the appropriateness of the requested leave of absence. Students will be notified in writing whether the request is approved and under what conditions (if any) reenrollment will be granted.

Required Medical Leave of Absence
Required Medical Leave of Absence may be facilitated in situations generally involving a potential threat or risk to the student or the community and may involve emergency hospitalization. In such instances, the Dean of Students/CAT will make the determination as to the appropriateness of required medical leave of absence when there is evidence that a student's behavior or condition poses a serious concern. Required medical leave may be granted for up to two consecutive terms.

Return from Medical Leave of Absence
When the student is well or no longer at serious risk and has experienced a period of sustained stabilization, the student may return to campus following evidence that he/she is able to pursue the full range of academic, behavioral and social expectations that apply to all students.

A student desiring to return from either voluntary or required medical leave must submit a letter requesting reenrollment to the Dean of Students. Conditions for reenrollment may include, but are not limited to:

Submission of documentation from a licensed heath care professional directly involved in the treatment of the student's particular condition that is sufficiently comprehensive to provide reasonable assurance that the returning student will be able to meet all college and program academic, technical, and behavioral requirements;

• Requiring an in-person meeting with student’s academic Chair or Program Director;
• Compliance with any new admission criteria implemented in the student's absence;
• Following a new curriculum plan that may have been implemented in the student's absence;
• Repeating courses and/or clinical experiences and/or practicum to ensure professional competence following an extended absence.

The Dean of Students/CAT, in consultation with student’s academic Chair or Program Director will make a determination regarding the appropriateness of the request to return from the Medical Leave of Absence and notify the student in writing whether the request is granted and what, if any, conditions for readmission apply.

Medical Leave of Absence and Financial Responsibility
Students considering a voluntary Medical Leave of Absence should be aware that granting of such leave does not relieve a student from financial responsibility to the University. A student who is seeking a Medical Leave of Absence who is also a financial aid recipient should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss the proposed leave and any potential implications