Medical Withdrawal Frequently Asked Questions

A student who takes a Medical Leave of Absence during the semester will receive an adjustment to tuition on a percentage basis from the first day of class up until week six. After week six, no adjustment will be given. For more information about tuition, housing and meal plans, and financial aid click here. 

For questions about how taking a Medical Leave of Absence may affect your financial aid package, contact the Office of Financial Aid, financialaid@depauw.edu.

Students do not receive academic credit for a term during which a Medical Leave of Absence is recorded. Students taking a Medical Leave of Absence, after week one, receive a grade of “W” for all enrolled courses. 

Students may register within their registration window for the following term in which they are eligible to return. If the student takes a leave after week 6 of a semester and is already enrolled in courses for the following term, their withdrawn status will forfeit their course registration. 

A student taking a Medical Leave of Absence will need to vacate their on-campus residence within 48-hours of submitting their request form. Students who live in a Fraternity or Sorority should work with their housing corporation for their move-out timeline.

The University does not provide storage.

First, confirm that your documentation was received by calling the appropriate office: Counseling Services - 765-658-4268 or DePauw Health and Wellness - 765-658-4555.

The initial review process of medical documentation can take up to one week to complete. Once completed, Counseling Services and DePauw Health and Wellness will make a recommendation to the Medical Leave of Absence Committee who will then review the submitted information. 

If your leave is for mental health reasons: Once Counseling Services receives the initial letter/documents from your provider, they will send them a form to complete that will collect additional information. When you call Counseling Services to confirm they have received your documentation they may ask you to reach out to your provider to encourage them to complete the additional form. Counseling Services cannot complete a full review until they have received it. 

Many students and their families are anxious to return to campus to continue their academic progress. However, returning when you are not ready can have an adverse affect on your ability to do well. Most students are required to take at least one full semester away to focus on care and demonstrate sustained stability. We encourage students to complete this assessment, alone or with their families and/or medical providers, to help them think through the transition back to DePauw. 

Students may register for classes for the semester in which they are eligible to return during the normal registration period. If not already done so during the regular process, students will be able to register during the return process.

Students who plan on returning from a Medical Leave of Absence in Semester I (Fall and Winter Term), may participate in the standard housing selection process during the prior spring term. Students who take a Medical Leave of Absence during the fall semester must coordinate housing for their return with Housing and Residence Life. In cases where the leave begins before week 6, a student’s current or future housing assignment is not guaranteed. If not already done so during the regular process, students will be able to secure housing during the return process. 

The "Week 6" Rule: A student’s return eligibility depends on when the leave begins:

• Before Week 6: A student may apply to return as early as the following semester

• After Week 6: A student must remain away for the entirety of the following semester before requesting to return.

• Week 6 Rule: “Week 6” means the exact date that is six weeks after the first day of classes, not the full sixth week of the semester. This date changes each term. A leave that begins on or before that date is treated differently from a leave that begins after that date for return eligibility.