Medical Withdrawal and Impact on Institutional Financial Aid Policy

Purpose

The University will support undergraduate students who complete a Request for Withdrawal for medical reasons by limiting the impact of the withdrawal upon institutional scholarships and institutional need-based grants.

Scope

University Policy

Definitions

A Request for Withdrawal is a form which must be completed, signed by the student and submitted to the Dean of Students. A Request for Withdrawal for medical reasons is the Request for Withdrawal form accompanied by supporting documentation from the appropriate medical provider detailing why the student is unable to successfully complete the semester due to specified medical reasons. An Institutional Scholarship is a merit award assigned by the Office of Admissions from University funds based upon specified criteria. Institutional need-based grant is a financial award assigned by the Financial Aid Office from University funds based upon a student’s demonstrated financial need.

Policy

Any student considering a medical withdrawal from the University should consult with the Dean of Students to review the process.
The Request for Withdrawal and required supporting documentation must be submitted to the Dean of Students prior to the end of the semester for which the withdrawal is requested unless medical circumstances prevent the student from doing so.
The Dean of Students will review each Request for Withdrawal for medical reasons and the supporting documentation on an individual basis. If the Dean finds that the supporting documentation is insufficient or lacking in the required detail, the Dean may request additional documentation. The Dean will make a decision to grant or deny withdrawal based on the medical documentation. The Dean’s decision is final.
After the student submits the Request for Withdrawal form and required supporting documentation, the Dean of Students will notify the necessary offices of the student’s withdrawal, including the Financial Aid Office.
If the student is a recipient of an Institutional Scholarship or Institutional need-based grant, his/her eligibility for that scholarship or grant will be extended for an additional semester to compensate for the semester of withdrawal. Students must meet all terms of the award to receive the additional semester(s). The student will be permitted to retain the scholarship for the semester from which he/she is withdrawing, but it will be prorated according to the date of withdrawal.
All other forms of financial aid, loans, external scholarships, grants, etc. remain subject to the terms under which they were granted.

Responsible Offices

Office of Financial Aid
Office of the Registrar

Approval

Approved

On the recommendation of the Executive Cabinet, approved by President Nyre on August 1, 2019.

Effective Date

August 6th, 2019