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Voluntary Medical Withdrawal

Your health and well-being are an important part of your academic success. 

Sometimes an unexpected medical or mental health situation can make it difficult or impossible for a student to continue their studies. A voluntary medical withdrawal provides a process for students to step away from their academic responsibilities when significant health circumstances interfere with their ability to continue the semester. 

Taking time away from school for health reasons can be an important step in supporting a student’s well-being and future academic success. The Dean of Students Office coordinates the voluntary medical withdrawal process and helps students understand their options, navigate the process, and connect with appropriate campus resources. 

When to Consider a Voluntary Medical Withdrawal

A voluntary medical withdrawal may be appropriate when an unexpected medical or mental health circumstance significantly impacts a student’s ability to continue their academic responsibilities. 

Depending on the timing and circumstances, students may request: 

A current-semester medical withdrawal when a significant health circumstance prevents the student from completing the semester. 

A retroactive medical withdrawal for a previous semester when a significant health circumstance prevented the student from successfully completing the semester and the regular withdrawal period has passed. Retroactive requests must generally be submitted within six months of the end of the semester and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

A voluntary medical withdrawal applies to the entire semester and cannot be used to withdraw from individual courses. 

Voluntary Medical Withdrawal Process

Students considering a medical withdrawal should begin by contacting the Dean of Students Office or submitting the Voluntary Medical Withdrawal Request Form [LINK]. 

A member of the Dean of Students team will connect with the student to discuss their circumstances, available options, and next steps. When appropriate, other options that may allow the student to remain enrolled may also be discussed. 

Students requesting a voluntary medical withdrawal may be asked to provide documentation from a qualified professional who is involved in the student's care or is otherwise familiar with and qualified to speak to the circumstances. 

Documentation should provide enough information to support the request and may include: 

  • A description of the medical or mental health condition or circumstances 
  • The approximate date of onset or significant exacerbation 
  • How the condition affected the student's ability to safely or successfully continue their academic responsibilities 
  • Relevant treatment, care, or recovery information, when appropriate 

Additional documentation may be requested as part of the review process. Providing documentation does not guarantee approval of a voluntary medical withdrawal. Each request is reviewed individually based on the student's circumstances and the information provided. 

The Voluntary Medical Withdrawal Committee will review the student’s request and supporting documentation. Because each student’s circumstances are different, requests are considered individually, and additional information may be requested. 

The Dean of Students Office will communicate with the student throughout the review process and notify the student of the outcome. 

A medical withdrawal may affect areas beyond a student’s academic record, including financial aid, scholarships, housing, international student status, athletics eligibility, VA benefits, ROTC participation, or other university programs. 

Students are encouraged to discuss these potential impacts with the appropriate university offices before making a final decision. If a student’s medical circumstances prevent them from contacting the necessary offices, the Dean of Students Office can assist with coordinating that outreach. 

Financial adjustments, including tuition and fee considerations, are determined separately and may vary based on the timing and circumstances of the withdrawal. 

When a student is ready to return to Missouri S&T, the Dean of Students Office can help connect them with resources that support a successful transition back to campus. 

Depending on the length of time away, students may need to complete university processes associated with returning or reenrolling. Additional steps may also apply to scholarships or other programs. 

Ready to Get Started?

If you are considering a voluntary medical withdrawal or aren’t sure whether it is the right option for your circumstances, contact the Dean of Students Office. We can help you understand your options and determine the appropriate next steps.