Process for Medical Withdrawal

The following process applies to students who wish to withdraw from Fairfield University for medical reasons:

To discuss withdrawing as a student for medical reasons, contact the Dean of Students' Office (ext. 4211, BCC 408), Health Center (ext. 2241, Dolan Hall), or Counseling Services (ext. 2146, Dolan Hall)

Most students who seek to withdrawal for medical reasons have been utilizing the services of the Health Center or Counseling Services. Therefore, those students will most likely initiate their request through a member of the medical staff or a counselor. Information from personal or private physicians or psychologist is subject to review by the University.

Upon review of the medical merits for the withdrawal request, as well as any appropriate documentation by the Health Center or Counseling Services, the student must make a formal request for withdrawal either in writing or person to the Dean of Students' Office. This office will review the request and the supporting information and make a decision. Where necessary, the student may be required to provide a release of information to be shared with the Dean of Students' Office. Withdrawals for medical reasons which are granted will not be done until arrangements for key and ID return, as well as a move-out deadline from University housing, are made.
The Dean of Students' Office will also discuss with the student the process by which the student can seek readmission to the University.
The appropriate academic dean's office, bursar's office, registrar's office, and residence life office are notified of the student's change in status. The institutional refund policy applies.

Readmission to the University after a medical withdrawal:

To seek readmission following a medical withdrawal, the student must write a letter making the formal request and state the rationale supporting the request. If medical documentation is required, the student should simultaneously submit that information to either the Health Center (when medical situation is physical in nature) or Counseling Services (when medical situation is psychological in nature). That information will be reviewed and any necessary contact with outside care providers or physicians will be made.
The Dean of Students' Office will ask the Health Center or Counseling Services for their evaluation of the request. Upon receipt of that information, the Dean of Students' Office will contact the student to arrange an appointment in person if at all possible or over the phone if the student is an unreasonable distance from campus.
After formal review of the student's request, the Dean of Students' Office will decide whether the student should or should not be readmitted. Those applications supported for readmission will be forward to the Office of the Academic Vice-President for an official letter of readmission to the student. The student may not register for classes or be assigned University housing until the official letter of readmission is reviewed and processed.
The University recommends that all students seriously consider purchasing tuition refund insurance. Students with existing medical or psychological issues are especially encouraged to investigate such insurance. information is available from the Office of the University Bursar.

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