Medical Leave Policy

During the course of their enrollment at Wesleyan, some students will need to take a medical leave because a medical and/or psychological issue temporarily prevents them from successful and productive participation in the University.

A medical leave is authorized by the vice president for student affairs on the basis of a recommendation from the medical director of Davison Health Center or the director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Students on a medical leave are expected to focus on the evaluation of, treatment for, and management of the illness or condition which necessitated the leave. The appropriate class dean will communicate the terms of the leave as well as the conditions and procedures for returning to Wesleyan. When a medical leave is authorized, students are withdrawn from the courses in which they are enrolled. In exceptional cases, some incomplete grades may be granted, depending on course content and the date of the leave.

Please note that any semester in which a grade is given is counted as a Wesleyan semester for purposes of graduation.

Requesting a Medical Leave

1. Meet with your class dean to discuss a potential medical leave.
   1. The class dean can assist in facilitating a meeting with the medical director of Davison Health Center or the director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
   2. In cases where a primary medical provider or therapist is off campus, students may request a letter (sent directly to the medical director of Davison Health Center or CAPS) recommending and supporting a medical leave. The letter should include details regarding the condition, illness or diagnosis, and an anticipated plan of evaluation and treatment.
2. After the case has been reviewed by the appropriate Wesleyan staff member, the medical director of Davison Health Center or the director of CAPS will forward their recommendation to the appropriate class dean. The class dean will confer with the vice president for student affairs and communicate the terms of the leave as well as the conditions and procedures for returning to Wesleyan.

The minimum duration of a medical leave is the balance of the semester in which it is authorized. Students are eligible to initiate a request to return once they have received appropriate treatment and consulted with their CAPS therapist or Davison Health Center.

Permission to visit campus during a medical leave can be granted by the class dean, typically to conduct University business. Engaging in on-campus activities while on medical leave cannot be considered part of a student’s treatment plan.

Mandatory Medical Leave

In situations where a student is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations, where current medical knowledge and/or the best available objective evidence indicates that a student poses a significant risk to the health or safety of others, or where a student poses an actual risk to their own safety (not based on speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations about individuals with disabilities) and the student does not want to take a leave voluntarily, the vice president for student affairs has the authority to place the student on a medical leave.

Returning from a Medical Leave

Students currently on a medical leave should notify the appropriate class dean when they are prepared to return to Wesleyan. Indication of intent to return are due by June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester, although if students notify the class dean by April 1 that they plan to return the following fall, the student will be able to participate in course pre-registration and housing selection. The option to participate in these processes does not guarantee approval to return.

The primary provider responsible for treatment during the leave should provide diagnosis and treatment documentation directly to the medical director of Davison Health Center or the director of CAPS by June 15 and November 15 respectively. The deadline for receipt of all required materials and interview is July 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.

 

                                     For Fall Semester         For Spring Semester  

  

After the case has been reviewed by the appropriate Wesleyan staff member, the medical director of Davison Health Services or the director of CAPS and the appropriate class dean(s) will meet with the vice president for student affairs concerning the student’s preparedness to return to the University as a full-time student in residence. The vice president will make the final decision concerning the student’s return. The class dean will communicate the decision to the student, and coordinate the student’s return to campus. After returning from a medical leave, students will be expected to meet with appropriate staff member(s) as directed. Periodic meetings with the class dean will also be expected.

Students who believe the implementation of these policies or procedures are in violation of ADA/Section 504 statutes, should contact Wesleyan’s vice president for Equity & Inclusion.