Medical Leave of Absence Process
Students facing health challenges that hinder academic progress may need a temporary leave from VCU to focus on treatment and recovery. In such cases, they can petition the Dean of Student Advocacy Office for a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) from all courses before the last day of classes (per the VCU Academic Calendar) and before final grades are assigned. Before applying, students should review the MLOA policy in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A MLOA helps preserve student enrollment, but students who do not register for classes for three consecutive fall/spring semesters lose active status. The Academic Regulations Appeal Committee (ARAC) may be a better option if the expected absence is only a few semesters. Students should consult their academic advisor to start the ARAC process.
To apply for an MLOA through the Dean of Students Office, students must complete a three-step process, which may take up to 10 working days. Plan accordingly to meet any academic or university deadlines.
Students can request a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) by submitting the MLOA Form to the Dean of Student Advocacy Office (DOS). A paper version is available upon request. This form allows students to:
- Explain their medical need for leave
- Indicate the semester(s) they will be on leave
- Provide contact information
This information helps guide the MLOA meeting (Step 3).
Once submitted, the DOS office will review the form:
- If additional documentation is needed, a staff member will contact the student.
- If the form meets MLOA criteria, the staff will schedule a MLOA meeting with the student.
A DOS staff member will meet with the student to:
- Discuss the need for a MLOA
- Explore possible academic accommodations that may allow the student to stay enrolled
- Explain the MLOA and reinstatement process, including any conditions for returning to VCU
Important Considerations
Medical leave is rarely recommended before the university’s withdrawal deadline. Students should only pursue an MLOA if they expect to be away for multiple semesters or have missed the withdrawal deadline.