Iowa Wesleyan University is committed to student success both academically and in the co- curricular. To this end, Iowa Wesleyan University is committed to supporting and assisting students when health issues arise that interfere with a student’s ability to be successful academically and meet the requirements and expectations of their course of study. Iowa Wesleyan University’s policy is to assist students in withdrawing from the University in hopes that the student will be able to focus on concerning health matters requiring attention.
This medical withdrawal policy is the mechanism utilized by the institution to allow a student to withdraw from their classes and return to Iowa Wesleyan when able.
ELIGIBILITY FOR USE OF MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL
The medical withdrawal policy applies to all students enrolled at Iowa Wesleyan University, including undergraduate and graduate students. The policy is applicable at any time, during any term of the academic year. A student may request and be considered for medical withdrawal when family care needs exist due to caring for a seriously ill child or spouse or a death in the student’s immediate family, preventing the student from continuing in classes.
Academic programs with additional accrediting bodies beyond HLC, such as nursing and education, may have additional procedures established for medical withdrawals and students are advised to consult with their academic advisor to determine the impact a medical withdrawal will have on a student enrolled in a specific academic program.
*Within the remainder of this policy, “Medical Withdrawal” includes students requesting a withdrawal due to family care needs.
PROCEDURES
- All students with a need to withdraw due to medical reasons must contact the Student Development Office to discuss their intention to medically withdraw and to initiate the process.
- Students should be aware that re-enrollment and the ability to progress in a specific academic program may be affected by a medical leave. *See Eligibility for Use of Medical Withdrawal for more information.
- If medical withdrawal is an appropriate option based on the student’s meeting with the Vice President for Student Development, the student will be advised to submit a Medical Withdrawal Request Form that can be obtained from the Student Development Office. Depending on specific circumstances such as enrollment as a GPS student or the timing of the request in relation to academic calendar, a designated administrator other than the Vice President for Student Development may manage the Medical Withdrawal Process. (i.e. Director of Graduate and Professional Studies, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or the University Provost).
- The student will be asked to provide as an appendix of the Medical Withdrawal Request Form, all relevant information from the clinician treating the student for review. Failure to include relevant health and medical records with the Medical Withdrawal Request Form may cause delays in the processing of the Form and could result in the University’s inability to act on the request.
- Students who request and are a granted a medical withdrawal during the add/drop period will be removed from all classes without any transcript notification of withdrawal exactly as a general withdrawal is handled. Students who are granted a medical withdrawal during the window of time allowing students to withdraw from classes with a “W” will receive a “W” notation on their transcript exactly as a general withdrawal is handled. Students who are granted a medical withdrawal after the “drop with a W” date has passed, will also receive a “W” notation on their transcript for all courses attempted during that academic term.
- In situations where there are unresolved issues related to a student’s behavior/conduct and/or financial obligations to the University, a hold may be placed on the student’s record at the time of withdrawal.
- In all instances where a medical withdrawal is being considered or has been approved, the Financial Aid Office should be consulted by the student to learn of the potential financial impact withdrawing may have. Adjustments to the student’s account will be made in accordance with standing University policy.
- Students who wish to appeal the outcome of their request for medical withdrawal may do so by submitting their appeal in writing to the Committee on Academic Standards within three business days of receipt of the Medical Withdrawal decision. The decision of the Committee on Academic Standards serves as the final decision of Iowa Wesleyan University.
RE-ENROLLMENT FOLLOWING A MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL
Prior to re-enrollment, Iowa Wesleyan University is available and willing to provide students with information about resources and assistance that may be beneficial to them as they consider re-enrolling. Iowa Wesleyan is committed to student success and will support students in a successful return to the University when health concerns have resulted in a medical withdrawal. To this end:
- It is common for students who withdraw because of serious illness to take a minimum of one full semester away from the University in order to enhance the likelihood of success upon return. The Student Development Office will make contact with a student within 60 days of the medical withdrawal to determine the likelihood, willingness, and status of improvement of the health matter which will assist the University in knowing the student’s interest in returning.
- Students wishing to return to their studies following medical withdrawal must complete the following process, ideally by July 1 for the fall semester, November 15 for the spring semester, and April 1 for the summer term:
- Notify the Academic Affairs Office, specifically the University Provost, of their interest to re-enroll at Iowa Wesleyan University.
- Establish good standing with all University offices by addressing any holds that may have been placed on their account by contacting the appropriate office(s) that may have placed a hold.
- As stated in the Eligibility for Use of Medical Withdrawal and step 1 of the Procedures section, certain academic programs may be consulted to determine the appropriate re- entry semester aligning with the student’s academic plan and progress.
- Support services exist to aid students in a successful academic and co-curricular return to Iowa Wesleyan. Students are encouraged to utilize resources such as Student Development, Residential Life, Counseling Services, Campus Nurse, and the Student Success Center.
- In some cases, students returning from a medical withdrawal may be required to meet with specific offices on campus to address unresolved issues and assist in assuring success. If required support service contact is necessary, students will be informed of that in their re- enrollment communication.