Medical Leave of Absence
During enrollment at Bryan College of Health Sciences, some students will need to take a medical leave because a medical and/or psychological issue temporarily prevents that student’s successful and productive participation at the College.
A medical leave is authorized by the Dean of Students with supporting documentation from a health care provided. A medical leave of absence may be granted for up to three academic semesters, not including summer sessions. Before a student may submit a request for medical leave, they must work with their academic dean to work through an individualized plan to assist with student progression, including the feasibility of being placed into another student cohort. The individualized progression plan must be uploaded when submitting a medical leave request. In the event a student is unable to work with their academic dean due to unexpected circumstances, the Dean of Students will work with the academic dean with the utmost care to determine the best pathway for the student.
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 Dean of Students will communicate the terms of the leave and the conditions and procedures for returning to Bryan College of Health Sciences. When a medical leave is authorized, students are withdrawn from all courses which they are registered in the current semester. In exceptional cases, incompletes may be granted, depending upon the incomplete policy eligibility.
In circumstances when a student is at risk to themselves or others, unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations, and the student does not want to take a leave voluntarily, the Dean of Students has the discretion to place the student on a medical leave.
Students who do not return after the specified Medical Leave of Absence, will be administratively withdrawn and required to reapply for admission to return to Bryan College of Health Sciences.
The medical leave is a neutral action and should not be considered as negative or of a disciplinary nature. The official date of medical leave will be determined by the last date of attendance for an enrolled student.
A student is eligible for a tuition refund, following the BCHS tuition refund schedule. If a student believes extenuating circumstances merit a departure from the tuition refund schedule because of medical reasons, they may appeal in writing to the Dean of Students for special consideration. Refund exceptions are rare and typically only made in the event of unavoidable and unexpected situations beyond the control of the student. Exits occurring because of neglected physical or mental health needs are not usually granted an exception to the refund schedule. Students requesting special consideration for medical reasons will be required to provide written documentation from the attending physician and/or licensed medical professional providing a summary of the medical issue and how it commands an immediate and necessary exit from the institution. This documentation must be received by the Dean of Students Office no later than 10 days from the date of the request for a medical leave. If a student applies for readmission, Bryan College of Health Sciences will require the student to provide written verification from a physician and/or licensed medical professional that the student is physically and emotionally ready to return to Bryan College of Health Sciences.