Medical Leave & Accommodations

HomeRegistrarMedical Leave & Accommodations

Medical Leave & Accommodations

Supporting Your Wellbeing at TUOS

At The University of Ontological Science, we recognize that health challenges can impact a student’s academic journey. We are committed to supporting students facing medical and psychological health issues through comprehensive accommodation services and, when necessary, medical leave options. Our goal is to ensure that all students can engage fully with their educational experience while attending to their wellbeing.

Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)

A Medical Leave of Absence provides students facing significant health challenges with the opportunity to step away from their studies temporarily to focus on treatment, recovery, and healing.

Types of Medical Leave

  • Full Medical Leave: Complete withdrawal from all courses and university activities for one or more semesters
  • Partial Medical Leave: Reduced course load while maintaining part-time student status
  • Retroactive Medical Leave: Applied after the fact when health issues have already impacted academic performance

Eligibility Criteria

Medical Leave is available to students experiencing health conditions that:

  • Significantly impact ability to meet academic requirements
  • Require intensive treatment or recovery time
  • Are documented by qualified healthcare providers
  • Cannot be adequately addressed through accommodations alone

Application Process

  1. Initial Consultation: Contact the Office of Student Wellbeing to discuss your situation and options
  2. Documentation: Submit the Medical Leave Request Form along with supporting documentation from your healthcare provider using the Medical Documentation Form
  3. Review: Your request will be evaluated by the Medical Leave Committee, typically within 5-7 business days
  4. Determination: You will receive written notification of the decision, including any specific conditions for return if the leave is approved
  5. Exit Interview: Meet with your academic advisor to discuss academic implications and develop a re-entry plan

Important Considerations

  • Timing: While MLOA requests can be submitted at any point in the semester, different deadlines affect transcripts and tuition refunds
  • Financial Implications: Tuition refunds and financial aid adjustments are determined based on the effective date of the leave
  • Housing: Students in university housing must vacate within 48 hours of leave approval (extensions can be requested)
  • International Students: F-1/J-1 visa holders should consult with the International Student Office before applying for MLOA

Returning from Medical Leave

Return Process

  1. Intent to Return: Submit the Return from Medical Leave Form at least 6 weeks prior to the semester you wish to return
  2. Updated Documentation: Provide documentation from your healthcare provider(s) indicating:
    • Current health status
    • Treatment progress and ongoing plans
    • Readiness to resume academic responsibilities
    • Recommendations for continued support or accommodations
  3. Clearance Interview: Meet with a representative from the Office of Student Wellbeing
  4. Academic Planning: Consult with your academic advisor to plan your course schedule and update your academic plan
  5. Reintegration Support: Participate in our Return-to-Study program for ongoing support during your transition back to academic life

Conditional Returns

In some cases, a conditional return may be approved with specific requirements such as:

  • Ongoing treatment with campus or community providers
  • Regular check-ins with the Office of Student Wellbeing
  • Reduced course load for the first semester back
  • Participation in support programs

Academic Accommodations for Medical Conditions

For students with chronic health conditions or temporary medical issues who do not require a full leave of absence, TUOS offers comprehensive academic accommodations.

Common Accommodations

  • Extended time for exams and assignments
  • Flexible attendance policies
  • Note-taking assistance
  • Course materials in alternative formats
  • Reduced course load without loss of full-time status
  • Priority registration
  • Accessible classroom seating
  • Permission to record lectures
  • Rest breaks during classes or exams

Requesting Accommodations

  1. Register with the Office of Accessibility Services by submitting the Accommodation Request Form
  2. Provide appropriate documentation of your medical condition using our Medical Documentation Guidelines
  3. Schedule an intake meeting with an Accessibility Specialist
  4. Receive an Accommodation Letter detailing your approved accommodations
  5. Present your Accommodation Letter to your professors at the beginning of each semester

Temporary Accommodations

For short-term medical issues (typically lasting less than 6 months):

  1. Submit the Temporary Accommodation Request Form
  2. Provide documentation of your condition and expected duration
  3. Meet with an Accessibility Specialist to determine appropriate short-term accommodations

Pregnancy & Parenting Accommodations

In accordance with Title IX, TUOS provides accommodations and support for pregnant students and those recovering from childbirth.

Available Support

  • Excused absences for pregnancy-related medical appointments
  • Extended deadlines for assignments during late pregnancy and postpartum recovery
  • Make-up work opportunities for missed classes
  • Accessible parking and seating
  • Lactation rooms across campus
  • Leaves of absence for childbirth and bonding

Learn More About Pregnancy Accommodations

Health Insurance & Resources

Student Health Insurance Plan

TUOS requires all students to have adequate health insurance. The university offers a comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) that covers:

  • Primary and specialty care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription medications
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization

Students with comparable coverage may waive the SHIP by submitting proof of insurance.

Campus Health Resources

  • University Health Center: Primary care, specialty referrals, and preventive services
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Individual therapy, group sessions, crisis intervention
  • Wellness Center: Holistic wellness programs, stress management, nutrition counseling
  • Mind-Body Integration Center: Meditation, yoga, mindfulness practices

Privacy & Confidentiality

All medical information provided in connection with leaves and accommodations is kept strictly confidential and maintained separately from academic records. Information is shared only with the limited university personnel involved in the accommodation or leave process on a need-to-know basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will medical leave affect my academic standing?
A: No, approved medical leaves do not negatively impact your academic standing. Courses from which you withdraw due to medical leave will appear with a “W-M” notation rather than a grade.

Q: Can I take courses at another institution while on medical leave?
A: Generally, students on full medical leave are not permitted to take courses at other institutions. Exceptions must be approved by the Medical Leave Committee.

Q: How many semesters can I remain on medical leave?
A: Medical leave is typically granted for up to two consecutive semesters. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Will my medical leave be noted on my transcript?
A: Your transcript will show that you were on an approved leave of absence, but it will not specify that it was medical in nature.

Q: Do I need to disclose my specific diagnosis to receive accommodations?
A: While documentation must verify the existence of a condition that qualifies for accommodations, you are not required to disclose your specific diagnosis to your professors.

Contact Information

Office of Student Wellbeing
Harmony Hall, Room 205
wellbeing@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4560

Office of Accessibility Services
Harmony Hall, Room 210
accessibility@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4561

Emergency Contact (24/7)
TUOS Crisis Line: (555) 123-9999

At TUOS, we understand that the pursuit of knowledge encompasses the whole person, including physical and mental wellbeing. Our medical leave and accommodation policies reflect our commitment to supporting students through health challenges while maintaining the academic integrity that defines our institution. We encourage students facing health issues to reach out proactively so that we can provide timely and appropriate support.