ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ

Spring 2026 Medical & Compassionate Withdrawal and Selective Course Load Reduction (SCLR) requests are being accepted at this time.

*Dates may vary based on accelerated course end date.

This policy provides students experiencing extraordinary medical or personal challenges with options to adjust their enrollment without academic penalty. It applies to all undergraduate and graduate students at ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ.

• Ensures fairness and consistency in handling requests.
• Protects academic integrity while recognizing individual circumstances.
• Offers both full withdrawal (Medical Compassionate Withdrawal) and partial withdrawal (Selective Course Load Reduction).
• Designed to align with federal and state law, and institutional policies regarding grades, financial aid, and student records.

Definitions

• Medical Withdrawal: Complete withdrawal from all courses due to documented medical or mental health conditions that significantly impair academic performance.
• Compassionate Withdrawal: Complete withdrawal from all courses due to extraordinary personal circumstances such as death of a family member, severe personal crisis, or natural disaster.
• Selective Course Load Reduction (SCLR): Withdrawal from one or more specific courses while remaining enrolled in others, when medical or personal circumstances affect only part of the student’s schedule.
• Appeal: A formal request for reconsideration of a denied application, requiring new documentation or information.

Documentation Requirements

Medical Requests:

• ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ Medical Withdrawal/SCLR Documentation Form OR letter from a licensed medical/mental health provider.
• Must include: diagnosis, dates of onset and treatment, impact on coursework, and prognosis.
• Documentation must be signed and dated by provider.

Compassionate Requests:

• Supporting documentation such as obituary, legal paperwork, or other official records.
• Personal statement explaining circumstances, timeline, and impact on coursework. A meeting with a Dean of ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ staff member is required when submitting a personal statement as documentation.
• Documentation must establish clear connection between event and academic impact.

Deadlines and Timelines

• Application Deadline: Last class day of the next regular long semester following the term of the request.
• Appeal Deadline: Within 14 calendar days of denial notification.
• Decision Timeline:
• Withdrawal: 14 calendar days.
• SCLR: 21 calendar days.
• Requests submitted after deadlines will not be considered unless extraordinary justification is provided.

Impact of Approval

• Grades: Courses withdrawn will show “W” or “Q” depending on student status.
• Financial Aid: May require repayment of funds; students should consult Financial Aid Office.
• Scholarships: May be lost; separate scholarship appeal process required.
• Veteran Benefits: May be impacted, student should consult Military and Veteran Services.
• International ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ: Must consult Office of International Education before applying, as visa status may be affected.
• Academic Standing: Approved withdrawals may affect GPA calculation, probation status, or graduation timeline.

Withdrawal for Pregnant ÌÇÐÄVlogÊÓƵ

Pregnancy students have the ability to request withdrawal from classes, even when it is outside of ordinary withdrawal limitations. For example, pregnant students may request a retroactive withdrawal, based on an individualized assessment of the student's circumstances.

To seek consideration, the pregnant student should submit the (DF-SL-SH-F-02) when the withdrawal is needed for the current semester or the semester prior. This must include appropriate documentation to verify the pregnancy and to explain the circumstances surrounding the request, including any medical complications. This process should be used when the withdrawal is sought after the regular course drop deadline.

For withdrawal requests more than one semester prior, the same or the (DF-EI-F-02) form should be used for review by designated University staff to determine eligibility for retroactive withdrawal. Considerations include:

• Medical complications;
• Student's reasonable ability to submit the request earlier;
• Whether the request is for one course or all courses;
• Communication attempts with faculty;
• Financial aid implications;
• Visa implications;
• Other available academic options; and
• Implications on future semesters.

See EI-PO-11, Student Pregnancy and Parenting Nondiscrimination Policy for more information.