Erin Purcell '24: Helping People on their Worst Days
For career inspiration, Erin looked no further than her family of first responders and their calling to “help people on their worst days.”
In some instances, a student may be required to take a medical leave of absence (RLOA). The Dean of Students will review related materials to determine the need for a RLOA which shall occur when the Dean determines that:
The Dean of Students may consult with the Campus Care Team in making the determination.
The Dean of Students may ask the student (and if a minor, the parents or guardians) to participate in the review by inviting them to provide a brief written or oral statement or other documents. The Dean of Students may require mandatory medical assessment and/or access to the student's medical, judicial or other educational records as necessary. A representative from Health or Counseling Services (or an outside provider if relevant) may share information on an as needed basis pending a release from the student and in accordance with State law. This information can include hospital records, internal evaluations or external evaluations from outside providers.
The Dean of Students is responsible for informing the student and if a minor, parents or guardians, of the results of the review of the student.
The student can appeal the decision to impose a RLOA within 7 days of the Dean's finding. The appeal must be made in writing and sent to the Vice President of Student Affairs. The Vice President will only consider an appeal if new information that was not available earlier is included in the request. In all cases, the decision of the Vice President of Student Affairs will be the final decision of the College.
Students may want to take a voluntary medical leave of absence (MLOA) during the semester as a result of medical or mental health reasons. A MLOA allows students whose academic progress and performance, or ability to otherwise function, has been seriously compromised by a mental health condition or a medical condition to take time away from the College without academic penalty. Such leave affords students time to pursue treatment and eventually return to the College with a significantly improved chance of academic and personal success.
A MLOA can provide students with advantages that may not be afforded by another type of leave of absence, including:
To take a MLOA during the semester, a student should meet with either the Director of Health Services or the Director of Counseling Center (depending upon the issue) to discuss his or her particular circumstance.
The appropriate Director makes a recommendation to the Associate Dean of Academic Advising who will make the final decision regarding the MLOA. Students will be asked to sign a release of information form so that the recommendations, but not the student's medical details, can be shared with the Associate Dean. Students are encouraged to meet with the Office of Student Financial Services to understand the financial implications of a MLOA. Recommendations for a MLOA are made on an individualized case-by-case basis but usually will include a recommendation for appropriate form of treatment so that the student can address the health concern while on leave. Course work at another institution is not permitted without special permission from the Associate Dean of Academic Advising.
When students believe that they are well enough to return to the College, they should follow the steps outlined below to be considered for re-enrollment.
While the return process is time-intensive for the College as well as for students, it is designed to ensure that a student will be in the best possible position to thrive when he or she returns to school.
The College's withdrawal procedures and policies apply to all students, including those taking a medical leave of absence. If you are considering withdrawing from the College, we encourage you to meet with Academic Advising, Student Financial Services and Health Services or Counseling Center (if withdrawing due to medical reasons). Meeting with the different offices will ensure that you are making the best decision for you and your academic future.
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