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Students on a medical Leave of Absence may be required to contact the Student Health and Wellness
Center and submit documentation relating to treatment prior to resuming their studies.
International students must comply with additional regulations when requesting a Leave of Absence. See
www.iit.edu/_internat for additional details.
T. Medical Leave of Absence
1. The Process
A medical leave of absence should be considered if a student’s health problems are such that continuing
in courses becomes unmanageable. Where a mental/physical health condition causes a student to
become a threat to himself/herself or others or to significantly disrupt the university community, the student
first may be given the opportunity to take a voluntary medical leave, but may be required to take such
leave if circumstances dictate. An involuntary leave of absence will be based upon an individualized
assessment of the student’s ability to safely participate in the university’s programs and within the
university community. The Dean of Students will consult with the Director of Student Health & Wellness
Center and the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and make reasonable efforts to meet with a student
prior to placing such student on an involuntary leave of absence.
A student may appeal his or her involuntary leave in writing to the Provost within 10 days of being placed
on such leave. A signed release for the student’s medical records may be necessary to conduct the
review. The student will remain on leave during the appeal and the Provost’s decision regarding the matter
will be final. If an appeal is not made within the requisite time period, the involuntary leave of absence will
stand.
Prior to the grant of a voluntary medical leave of absence, the student must provide a letter from a health
professional, physician or therapist recommending such leave. The student will be asked to sign a release
so that the appropriate IIT representative may speak with the health professional regarding the student’s
condition. Requests for and approval of medical leaves of absence must be issued by the last day of
classes in the semester. Once classes have ended and exams have begun, a medical leave will not be
granted.
Any student considering a medical leave should speak with the Dean of Students or Vice Provost as soon
as possible to discuss options and initiate the process. If the leave is approved, the student will receive
the grade of W for each of his/her classes during the semester. While on leave the student is expected to
use the time for treatment and recovery so that he or she will be mentally and physically healthy upon his
or her return. A medical leave normally will be granted for two semesters (not including summer) however
a student may request from the Dean of his or her academic department approval for an extended
absence. Generally, if a student is unable to return after two semesters, it is expected that he or she will
withdraw from the university and apply for readmission at a later date.
It is important for a student contemplating medical leave to inquire about matters such as health insurance,
housing and tuition contract obligations, financial aid and immigration (visa) requirements prior to finalizing
his or her leave. The Dean of Student’s Office will assist in facilitating such communication.
2. Return From Medical Leave
To return from medical leave, a student must submit the requisite documentation to IIT’s Office of
Undergraduate Academic Affairs by the following dates: June 15th for fall semester registration; November
15th for spring semester registration and April 15th for summer registration. The required documentation
includes: a statement from the student describing the reasons he or she believes he or she should return
to school; a release to allow IIT’s Student Health and Wellness Center to obtain information from the
student’s treatment provider; and an assessment by the treatment provider regarding the student’s
readiness to return to classes.
The Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students will meet with the appropriate
academic personnel and a decision regarding the student’s return will be made. The Director of the IIT
Student Health and Wellness Center or his or her designee may provide consultation. Conditions may be
placed upon a student who returns from a medical leave of absence. These conditions may include, but
are not limited to continued medical or mental health treatment along with a signed release to allow
verification of the student’s adherence to his or her treatment plan.