MEDICAL WITHDRAWALS Policy and Procedures

If a student is unable to successfully complete a semester due to a physical, mental, emotional, or psychological health condition a student may request a medical withdrawal through the Office of the Dean of Students. Students requesting a Medical Withdrawal should take the following actions:

1. The student should submit a formal letter of request to the Dean of Students, which should include the class(s) and reason for the request. The Dean of Students may require an interview with the student. 2. Qualified medical personnel should submit their recommendation(s) directly to the Dean of Students. This should be on professional letterhead and preferably delivered by mail; a faxed copy from the office of the medical professional may be accepted. 3. The student should contact each of his or her professors and request that they send the Dean of Students an email stating the last date of attendance in that particular class. (If due to the student’s medical condition they cannot accomplish this, the office of the Dean of Students will assist, upon request.)

NOTE: Students that have been granted a medical withdrawal from the university will have HOLD placed on their registration and be required to complete the Columbus State University’s reapplication process in order to be considered for readmission. (See Instructions for Application for Readmission on next page.)

In addition, the student should understand that:

1. Medical withdrawals should be processed as complete withdrawals from the University, unless a partial withdrawal is deemed appropriate by a qualified medical professional and then approved by the Dean of Students. There is no monetary refund for a partial medical withdrawal.

Note: Students living in on-campus housing should consider the 12 credit hour rule for residency, if they intend to request a partial withdraw. Additional approval may be required by the Director of Residence Life to remain in housing.

2. The date of the medical withdrawal should coincide with the last date of attendance in class.

2. Medical withdrawals should not be subjective to failing grades.

2. A complete medical withdrawal from the University will qualify the student for a pro-rated refund if the withdrawal date is still within the allowable period in the semester (pro-rated refunds do not continue through the entire semester). The pro-rated refund schedule for the current semester can be found at: http://registration.columbusstate.edu/refundtbl.php (See the office of Student Accounts for balance inquiries).

2. If a student completed a “part-of-term” course that ended prior to the medical condition, a partial withdrawal may be acceptable to receive course credit. However, there will be no prorated refund for the remaining classes.

2. A student who files, or attempts to file a fraudulent application for a medical withdrawal to avoid a failing grade or disciplinary action will be considered in violation of the Columbus State University Student Conduct Standards and subject to disciplinary charges.

Note: If it is determined by qualified medical personnel and approved by the Dean of Students that a student is not physically or mentally capable of completing this process, the student’s parent, guardian, or legal next of kin (whichever is most appropriate) may act on the behalf of the student. Once this information is received the student’s case will be reviewed and a decision forwarded to the registrar. A copy of that decision will be mailed to the student. Questions should be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students at (706) 507-8730.

Please mail information to: Student Affairs Office, 4225 University Ave., Columbus, GA 31907 Fax to 706-507-8735 or Email to [email protected]

INSTRUCTIONS

REQUEST FOR READMISSION AFTER A MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL

Columbus State University students, who were granted a medical withdrawal or were administratively withdrawn for a mental, emotional, or psychological health condition must apply for readmission. The Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team (BART) is charged with the review and approval of these requests. Each request will be considered on the basis of current medical condition, academic progress, disciplinary record, and other information deemed appropriate by BART for this review.

Prior to being considered for readmission, a student should: 1. Have no outstanding balance on their account with the business office, and 2. Have no holds on their records by any office, other than the Office of the Dean of Students.

Students will be required to: 1. Complete an Application for Readmission (http://admissions.columbusstate.edu/forms/)

2. Submit a Letter of request from the student explaining: a) The reason for the withdrawal, b) How the student has recovered and is ready to return to the University, and c) The request is for readmission for which semester.

3. Have submitted a reference letter from a licensed mental health counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or internal medicine physician (whichever is most appropriate) explaining that: a) The writer understands why the student was withdrawn from the University, b) Explaining the relationship the writer has had with the student during the time of being withdrawn from the University, and c) Give reason(s) as to why the writer feels the student should be considered for readmission. NOTE1: This letter must be on professional letterhead and should be mailed or faxed by the writer to the address listed below. NOTE2: The Columbus State University Counseling Center is not able to provide this documentation.

4. If requested, the student will appear before the Dean of Students, or other Columbus State University personnel for a personal interview.

Mail all correspondence to: Dean of Students Columbus State University 4225 University Avenue Columbus, Georgia 31907 Fax (706) 507-8735