EIU Medical Clinic

Medical and Psychological Withdrawals

Students who experience medical and psychological issues, who need to take time off from academics, have a variety of ways of formally doing so.  Each option has its own benefits and disadvantages.  Students and/or family members are encouraged to consider and research all options before making a final decision as to what course of action is to be taken.

General questions regarding the below options may be directed to the Executive Director, Health and Counseling Services (217/581-3413).

Regular Withdrawals

If your medical or psychological issue occurs early in the semester, particularly before the semester begins or before the Last Day to Withdraw from University & Receive Full Tuition/Fees Refund (except insurance), withdrawing from your classes through PAWS OR completing the Registration  Office's withdrawal form may be the simplest action you can take.  Usually, a "W" for withdrawal will appear on the student's grade report.

Please look at the most current academic calendar to determine when the Last Day to Withdraw from University & Receive Full Tuition/Fees Refund (except insurance) is.

Questions regarding Regular Withdrawals should be directed to the Office of the Registrar (217/581-3511).

Seeking an Incomplete from Your Faculty

If your medical or psychological issue occurs later in the semester, and may only effect one or two classes, before considering a medical leave of absence or a medical withdrawal, it may be wise to discuss with the faculty member(s) teaching those classes the possibility of them giving you an incomplete.  If they are willing to do so, most faculty will develop a contract with you regarding terms and timelines of how any missed work, assignments, and projects will be made up.  

An "I" for Incomplete will appear on the student's grade report, until all academic expectations and assignments are met, in which a grade will be given.  If the academic expectations and assignments are not met by the stated terms, the faculty may assign a failing grade, a no-credit grade, etc. 

Questions regarding incompletes should be directed to the faculty member in question.

Late/Retroactive Withdrawal Request through the Registrar's Office

A student may request a late withdrawal through the Office of the Registrar when a documented illness or other extraordinary circumstance prevents withdrawal from a course  (not multiple courses) by the established deadlines.  The deadline for submitting a late withdrawal is March 15th for the immediately preceding fall semester and October 15th for the immediately preceding spring or summer semester.        

https://www.eiu.edu/registra/files/latewithdrawalrequest.pdf

If you are seeking a late withdrawal request for medical reasons, you will need to attach a copy of your health record or information from your treating provider related to this request. Withdrawals for medical reasons will be sent to Health and Counseling Services for their recommendation related to this request. 

Questions regarding Late/Retroactive Withdrawals should be directed to the Office of the Registrar either by phone (217/581-3511) or e-mail (records@eiu.edu).

Medical Leave of Absence through the Registrar's Office

To apply for a medical leave or a related accommodation, students are required to contact the Office of the Registrar to complete the required forms. Please note, all requests for a medical leave require medical documentation that will be reviewed by Health and Counseling Services

Upon the written recommendation of a treatment provider, and with the concurrence of the Health and Counseling Services, a student may be granted a medical leave of absence for a major medical and/or mental health issue, procedure, pregnancy, and/or pregnancy related conditions that prevents campus-based activities for a significant period of instructional time. Students who are approved for a medical leave will be eligible to receive an incomplete in all courses for the current semester of registration, as well as appropriate academic support and reasonable accommodations that may be needed to complete the coursework within one calendar year from the initial leave date. 

Individuals requesting a leave are not eligible for a full or partial refund of tuition, mandatory fees, and/or associated course charges.

https://www.eiu.edu/registra/mla_form.php 

Questions regarding Medical Leave of Absences should be directed to the Office of the Registrar (217/591-3511).

Seeking a Medical or Psychological Withdrawal

To apply for a medical leave or a related accommodation, students are required to complete the Health and Counseling Medical and Psychological Withdrawal Application, submit a written statement regarding the medical/psychological withdrawal, have their treating providers submit supportive documentation/letter regarding diagnoses, treatment, and aftercare, and signed releases of information. 

A medical withdrawal applies to all courses a student is enrolled in for the semester in which the medical withdrawal is applied for.  Students requesting a medical and psychological withdrawal may be eligible for a full or partial refund of tuition, fees, and/or associated charges depending upon the date in which the medical/psychological withdrawal is applied.  

A medical/psychological withdrawal registration hold will be placed on the student's account, preventing the student from registering for future classes until the student has been cleared to return to school by their treatment providers.  Please see section entitled "After Your Medical/Psychological Withdrawal - Returning to Campus" for more information.

Requests for withdrawals will not be accepted after the day in which the semester closes following one year in which the event or the on-set of the medical situation has occurred.  For example, a student who has a medical/psychological event during the fall 2024 semester, has until the day in which the fall 2025 semester closes to submit a request for a medical withdrawal.

Questions regarding Medical/Psychological Withdrawals should be directed to Ms. Georgia Ryan, Health and Counseling Services (217/581-3413).

After Your Medical/Psychological Withdrawal - Returning to Campus

A medical/psychological withdrawal registration hold will be placed on the student's account, preventing the student from registering for future classes until the student has been cleared to return to school by their treatment providers. When a student wishes to return to campus, they should have their treatment providers complete the Medical/Psychological Withdrawal Reinstatement Form and submit it to the Executive Director, Health and Counseling Services.   

Questions regarding the Medical/Psychological Withdrawal Reinstatement Form should be directed to Ms. Georgia Ryan, Health and Counseling Services (217/581-3413).