Voluntary Medical or Mental Health Leave Policy
Leaves from the College for Medical or Mental Health Reasons
When a student has significant medical or mental health issues that prevent completion of coursework, s/he may request a Medical or Mental Health Leave from the College by submitting to the Director of Health Services: 1) a completed Voluntary Medical or Mental Health Leave Request form, and 2) supporting documentation from a qualified health professional. This documentation should include a letter detailing the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment history, and relevant circumstances, as well as dates and anticipated duration of the condition in question. The request and all supporting documentation must be received not later than two weeks (14 calendar days) prior to the last day of classes for the current semester, as defined by the academic calendar. A medical or mental health leave assumes an incapacity that prohibits acceptable academic performance, not simply a hardship or inconvenience. The Director of Health Services in consultation with the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) will consider the student's request, which must be supported by documentation from a qualified health professional, and make a determination as to whether the request is appropriate. If the request is deemed appropriate, the Director of Health Services will recommend to the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Academic Affairs that leave be granted. Students may first be encouraged to consult with their instructors or advisors to determine if there are alternative methods to alleviate their academic workload before obtaining a medical or mental health leave. Students experiencing medical or mental health difficulties fewer than 14 days before the close of classes may request "Incomplete" (I) grades for all classes, as outlined in the College's grading policies.
If a student is not granted a medical or mental health leave, s/he may submit a written appeal, within two weeks of receiving the decision, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision regarding the request will be final. If a request is denied, the College catalog policies will apply, based upon the original date the Voluntary Medical or Mental Health Leave Request form was initially submitted.
A student recommended for and granted a medical or mental health leave will be withdrawn from all current courses he or she is registered for, even after the official withdrawal period has ended and without academic penalty. Partial withdrawal is not possible. Additionally, a student on leave will receive a one-year Maintenance of Matriculation that allows the student to return without having to re-apply or pay another application fee. The student will be responsible for meeting 100% of his/her fees and room charges, as outlined in the College catalog. The student's board will be prorated. If the student receives financial aid funding, s/he should first meet with the Director of Financial Aid prior to requesting the leave in order to better understand its full financial aid implications.
If the student intends to return to the College to complete his/her degree, the student will be given a waiver for tuition charges to offset the cost of tuition upon his/her return. Should the student not return to the college to complete his/her degree, no refund of tuition charges will be given. If away for more than one year, the student would be subject to the catalog requirements in place at the time of return.
When a student wishes to return to the College, s/he is required to submit to the Director of Health Services appropriate documentation from a qualified health professional stating that the student has been cleared to return. It is recommended that s/he schedule a meeting with the Director of Health Services to review any relevant matters regarding this transition. If a student returning from a medical or mental health leave requires a reasonable accommodation in order to meet the essential eligibility requirements for MSMC students, MSMC will attempt to accommodate him/her as outlined in the MSMC Student Handbook. If the student is not approved to return to the College, s/he may submit a written appeal, within two weeks of receiving the decision, to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, whose decision regarding the request will be final.
Leave of Absence Policy
A leave of absence from the College may be granted to students for reasons other than academic difficulties for up to one full year after the end of the semester in progress. Students who do not intend to return in a subsequent semester must file for a Leave of Absence in order to remain classified as an "active" student. The leave requires approval by the academic advisors and the Registrar, and begins after the end of the semester in progress. Students requesting a leave of absence need to complete the Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Form available in the Office of the Registrar. The student must indicate his/her intended date of return to the College on the form. If the student does not return to the College on or before the appropriate date, he/she will be considered as having withdrawn from the College.
A student returning from a Leave of Absence MUST meet all requirements in place at the time of the approved leave of absence as long as the student returns within two academic semesters. Students taking a Leave of Absence who have received loans should consult the Financial Aid Office for information about loan repayment obligations. Filing for a Leave of Absence does not preclude suspension or dismissal at the conclusion of a semester. Students who were placed on probation at the time they took a leave of absence will, upon their return, continue to be on probation, and will be required to meet the conditions set by the College while they are on probation.
Returning to the Mount
Students who break their matriculation for more than one calendar year from the date of departure and who would like to return to Mount Saint Mary College must contact their respective graduate division for acceptance back into the program, advisement and approval for registration. Returning graduate students do not need to fill out a Return to MSMC application form.
Students who were previously under an academic probationary status are subject to the conditions of that status upon return. students may register for class provided the pre-requisites have been met. Any coursework completed while away from MSMC will be reviewed for possible credit upon receipt of Official Transcripts.
Withdrawal from the Mount
There may be times when a student feels uncertain about continuing his/her academic experience at Mount Saint Mary College. Such feelings need to be considered carefully and may be discussed with the student's academic advisor and/or counselor. Often these feelings arise as a result of a situation in the student's academic or personal life that can be resolved.
Students who withdraw from the College are also required to submit a signed student withdrawal form. This form is available at the Office of the Registrar, and, when completed, should be returned to the Registrar. The form needs to be signed by the advisor and members of the offices of Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Residence Life, the Registrar, and the Vice President for Students. Students unable to complete the form are required to notify the Registrar in writing; failure to do so may result in academic and or/financial penalty. The College refund policy concerning the refund of tuition and fees is listed in the section "Tuition and Fees" in this catalog. The withdrawal form is not official until it is completed and submitted to the Registrar. Note: when withdrawing after the last day to withdraw without academic penalty, students will receive "F" grades in all classes, and may be subject to academic probation.
Matriculation and Time Limits
Students who have been admitted to a graduate program (MBA, MSEd, MSN) are awarded matriculation status and will be assessed a matriculation fee upon admission.
Students maintain a matriculated status by completing at least 6 credits per calendar year (September–August). Students are not required to register for consecutive terms. A student requiring a leave of absence from the program must apply to the appropriate Graduate Program Coordinator for an official leave of absence and specify the expected term of return. Students who break their matriculation for more than one calendar year from the date of departure and who present themselves for re-matriculation must comply with the degree requirements in place at the time of re-entry.
Students failing to qualify for, or maintain matriculation status, will be dropped from the program unless special permission to continue is obtained from the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Master's degrees must be completed within six calendar years from the date of matriculation for MBA and MSN students; students in the MSEd program must complete requirements in five calendar years from the date of matriculation. An extension of time may be granted for exceptional reasons when a written proposal has been submitted by the student and accepted by the Graduate Program Coordinator.