Page 89 - Illinois Tech Student Handbook 2022-23

located as noted above. Non-degree students are not required to file a Leave of Absence Form, but will require reinstatement by petition on Form G701 after a lapse in
registration. Students should consult the procedures for filing a petition under the section Right of Appeal by Petition in the Graduate Bulletin.
Note: International students must comply with additional regulations when requesting a leave of absence. See iit.edu/international-center for additional details. International students must also receive approval from the International Center. If an international student wishes not to enroll in a given term, the leave of absence must be approved by the International Center, by the registration deadline of that term.
W. Medical Leave of Absence
1. The Process. A student should consider a medical leave of absence if their health problems are such that continuing in courses becomes unmanageable. Where a mental/physical health condition causes a student (i) to become or reasonably appears to be a threat to others; (ii) to significantly disrupt the Illinois Tech community and/or its safe and efficient operation; or (iii) to be unable to comply with the policies generally applicable to students, Illinois Tech may recommend and encourage the student to avail themselves of the opportunity to take a voluntary medical leave. Illinois Tech may seek an involuntary withdrawal of or other safety intervention measures for a student in accordance with the policy set forth in Section BB below.
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 Illinois Tech 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 the relevant 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 their classes during the semester. While on leave, the student is expected to use the time for treatment and recovery so that they will be mentally and physically healthy upon their return. A medical leave normally will be granted for two semesters (not including summer); however, a student may request from the Dean of their academic department approval for an extended absence. Any need for reinstatement and/or readmission will be handled in accordance with the applicable policies of the Office of Undergraduate or Graduate Academic Affairs as appropriate.
It is important for a student contemplating a medical leave to inquire about matters such as health insurance, housing and tuition contract obligations, financial aid and immigration (visa) requirements prior to finalizing their leave. The Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs will assist in facilitating such communication.
2. Return from Medical Leave. To return from a voluntary medical leave, a student must submit the requisite documentation to either the Office Academic Affairs prior to the deadline specified on the Illinois Tech academic calendar. The required documentation includes: a statement from the student describing the reasons they believe they should return to school; a release to allow the 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 Academic Affairs and the Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students will meet with the appropriate academic personnel and a decision regarding the student’s return will be made. The Associate Vice Provost of the Student Health and Wellness Center or their designee may provide consultation. Based on the treatment provider’s assessment, conditions may be placed upon a student who returns from a medical leave of absence. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, a reduced course load, and continued medical or mental health treatment along with a signed release to allow verification of the student’s adherence to their treatment plan.
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