Voluntary Mental Health Leave Policy

Leaves from the College for Mental Health Reasons

When a student has significant mental health issues that prevent completion of coursework, the student may request a Mental Health Leave from the College by submitting to the Director of Counseling: 1) a completed Voluntary Mental Health Leave Request form, and 2) a completed Verification of Need for Mental Health Leave of Absence form. The Verification of Need for Mental Health Leave of Absence form should be completed by a qualified professional with experience in the mental health field, such as a medical physician, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychologist, or licensed mental health professional (such as LCSW, LMHC, LCAT, LMFT). The request and all supporting documentation must be received no 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 mental health leave assumes an incapacity that prohibits acceptable academic performance, not simply a hardship or inconvenience. The Director of Counseling Services in consultation with the Mental Health Leave Committee will consider the student’s request and determine whether the request is appropriate. Students may first be encouraged to consult with their instructors and/or advisors to determine if there are alternative methods to alleviate their academic workload before obtaining a mental health leave. Students experiencing mental health difficulties fewer than 14 days before the close of classes may request an “Incomplete” (I) grade for all classes, as outlined in the College’s grading policies.

If a student is not granted a mental health leave, the student may submit a written appeal within two weeks of receiving the decision to the Assistant Vice President for Students, whose decision regarding the request will be final. If a request is denied, the College catalog policies will apply, based on the original date the Voluntary Mental Health Leave Request forms were initially submitted.

A student granted a mental health leave will be withdrawn from all current courses that they are registered for, even after the official withdrawal period has ended and without academic penalty.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 their fees and room charges, as outlined in the College catalog. The student’s board will be prorated. If the student receives financial aid funding, they should first meet with the Director of Financial Aid prior to requesting the leave in order to better understand the full financial aid implications.

If the student intends to return to the College to complete their degree, the student will be given a waiver for tuition charges already paid to offset the cost of tuition upon their return. Should the student not return to the college to complete their 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, they are required to submit to the Director of Counseling appropriate documentation from a qualified health professional stating that the student has been cleared to return. It may be recommended that the student schedule a meeting with the Director of Counseling to review any relevant matters regarding the transition. If a student returning from a mental health leave requires an academic adjustment and/or reasonable accommodation in order to meet the essential eligibility requirements for MSMC students, the College will attempt to make such adjustments and accommodate the student as outlined in the MSMC Student Handbook. If the student is not approved to return to the College, they may submit a written appeal within two weeks of receiving the decision to the Assistant Vice President for Students whose decision regarding the request will be final.