Note: The process and criteria described in this section apply in situations in which DePaul University initiates a discussion with a student regarding the student's temporary withdrawal from DePaul for medical reasons. Students looking to voluntarily take a leave of absence or withdraw from DePaul for medical or other reasons should consult the Withdrawal policy.
DePaul University places the utmost priority on student welfare and community safety. DePaul provides a continuum of support services to address the needs of students within the context of the University community. Sometimes students may have health needs that require a level of care exceeding that which DePaul can effectively provide. Being able to safely participate in the programs, services, or activities of the University is an essential requirement for a student's continued participation. As such, in some situations, it may be appropriate to consider options for a student's temporary withdrawal from DePaul or for altering a student's ability to fully participate in certain programs, services, or activities at DePaul.
This University-initiated temporary medical withdrawal process is not a disciplinary process. Rather, under this process, DePaul will work with a student regarding a University-initiated temporary medical withdrawal. If a withdrawal is appropriate, the University will also work with the student on a plan for return and plan for success upon return.
As further detailed below, all determinations as to withdrawals and plans for return and success will be based upon an individualized assessment of the student's situation, including an evaluation of current medical information and/or best available objective information about the student. DePaul will consider this information in assessing circumstances such as the nature, duration, and severity of the risk to the student and/or University community, the probability that the behavior of concern will occur, and whether reasonable accommodations would mitigate the risk.
This process is intended as an interactive dialogue between the student and DePaul concerning the student's continued participation in the programs, services, or activities of DePaul. At all times during the process, DePaul will work with the student to determine whether other options or reasonable accommodations would be appropriate instead of, or in addition to, a University-initiated temporary medical withdrawal process or alterations to a student's ability to fully participate in certain programs, services, or activities at DePaul. More information about the interactive process for establishing reasonable accommodations is available from DePaul's Center for Students with Disabilities.
When a student demonstrates conduct that violates DePaul's Code of Student Responsibility or other DePaul policies, that conduct will be addressed through the appropriate disciplinary processes. There may be situations in which both the University-initiated temporary medical withdrawal process and the Code of Student Responsibility and/or other DePaul policies are applicable (see below for further details).
Students may choose to have an advisor join them for any meeting or conversation that is a part of this process. An advisor is a member of the DePaul University community who acts as a support person for the student. The role of the advisor is to quietly confer with and support the student throughout the process.