Medical Withdrawal

A student may request and be considered for a medical withdrawal when extraordinary circumstances, such as a serious illness or injury, prevent the student from continuing classes. The medical withdrawal policy covers both physical health and mental health difficulties. A medical withdrawal can only be approved for one semester during a student’s undergraduate studies. Likewise, a medical withdrawal can only be approved for one semester during a student’s graduate studies.

A medical withdrawal from the University will constitute a full withdrawal from all academic classes for the requested semester. Withdrawal from courses through the regular process should be considered before requesting a medical withdrawal.

A request for a medical withdrawal must be filed on or before the last day of the semester involved unless the student can provide documentation to show that it was not possible to request within this timeframe. Students may apply for a medical withdrawal by following the guidelines provided below. Application for a medical withdrawal does not guarantee that a withdrawal will be granted. All medical withdrawal requests are evaluated on an individual basis.

All students requesting a medical withdrawal submit a complete packet of information to Undergraduate Education and Student Success in 204 Howell-McDowell. The packet should include:

1. Completed Request for Medical Withdrawal
2. The student must provide a typed, signed letter explaining how the illness or condition affected their ability to maintain their status as a student at the University and why withdrawing from courses through the regular process was not an option for them. Incomplete course grades may be arranged with the respective instructors at their discretion and may be an option for students to consider instead of a medical withdrawal.
3. Typed original letter from your treating physician(s) recommending a withdrawal for medical reasons. The letter must state the specific rationale for the recommendation, including why the illness or condition prevented the student from maintaining their status at the University. The letter must also include the effective date of the onset of the illness or condition and the anticipated date of resolution, if applicable. A statement recommending withdrawal without a supporting rationale will not be considered. The letter must be on official letterhead and signed by the service provider. Please note that medical information should be submitted in a sealed envelope. The medical information provided in a sealed envelope will only be reviewed by the medical professionals in Counseling and Health Services. Counseling and Health Services will not copy or forward the medical documentation to any other office or department.
4. Complete Medical Withdrawal Consultation Form - Accounting and Financial Services.
5. Complete Medical Withdrawal Consultation Form - Financial Aid.
6. Complete Medical Withdrawal Consultation Form - International Students (if applicable).
7. Other relevant supporting documentation.

If the withdrawal is approved, a medical withdrawal hold is placed on the student's University account. Before the student will be allowed to register for classes, they must provide the Associate Vice President of Undergraduate Education and Student Success a letter from their health care provider(s) releasing the student to return to the University and must include information that discusses the student's sufficient recovery and their ability to manage course work at MSU.

Undergraduate Education and Student Success will notify the student regarding the outcome of the medical withdrawal request.

All information must be submitted in one packet to Undergraduate Education and Student Success at 205 Howell-McDowell. For more information, contact us at 606-783-2003.