Students who wish to withdraw from the University during an academic term because of physical or psychiatric conditions that necessitate their absence may request a medical leave of absence.
Documentation of the serious nature of the medical condition must be provided to the associate dean of student affairs, who reviews that documentation with the University medical director. A leave of absence may be arranged for one or two semesters. Under special circumstances, the medical leave of absence may be extended. The student may return to classes when medical clearance, provided by a private physician, is reviewed by the University medical director and accepted by the associate dean of student affairs.
Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence
The University reserves the right to place a student on a mandatory medical leave of absence from the Quinnipiac community for physical or psychiatric reasons. In all such cases, the student will be deemed to be withdrawn from the University and the University's Refund Policy shall apply. In the case of a physical problem, the associate dean of student affairs in consultation with the University medical director determines the appropriateness of a mandatory medical leave of absence. Parents, legal guardians or the emergency contact of the student are notified, and arrangements are made immediately to remove the student from campus.
Before returning to Quinnipiac from a mandatory medical leave of absence, the student is expected to release all relevant medical information to the University medical director. After reviewing the information, the University medical director and the associate dean of student affairs determine whether the student may return to the University or whether continuation of the mandatory medical leave of absence is warranted.
In the case of a psychiatric problem, the associate dean of student affairs, in consultation with the University psychiatrist, determines the appropriateness of a mandatory medical leave of absence when the student is perceived to be a threat to self or others; when the student is deemed to be unable to withstand the rigors of the college experience; or, when the student's behavior is disruptive to the educational mission of the University. Parents, legal guardians or the emergency contact of the student are notified, and arrangements are made immediately to remove the student from campus.
The associate dean of student affairs makes this decision on a temporary basis pending results of an evaluation conducted by the University psychiatrist. After reviewing the evaluation results, the associate dean of student affairs, in consultation with the University psychiatrist, determines whether the student may return to the University or whether continuation of the mandatory medical leave of absence is warranted. Before returning to Quinnipiac from a psychiatric mandatory medical leave of absence, the student must undergo a psychiatric evaluation at his or her own expense with the University psychiatrist. The student is expected to release all relevant medical information to the evaluating physician.
The results of this evaluation are submitted to the associate dean of student affairs, who in consultation with the University psychiatrist, determines whether the student may return to the University. Students may appeal this decision to return following a mandatory medical leave of absence for physical or psychological reasons to the vice president and dean of students. All information submitted becomes part of the student's health record and remains confidential.