Policy on Medical Leave

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all Barry students with incipient emotional, mental health or physical needs receive timely assessment and access to service.  The policy shall cover all students unless the specific school or department in which the student is enrolled has a more specified or comprehensive policy with respect to mental and physical health and disposition.

When a student experiences serious medical or psychological problems while enrolled as a student in Barry University, he or she may request to take a voluntary medical leave-of-absence.  If approved by the Dean of Students, the student will be withdrawn from the university, leave campus, be granted grades of “W” in all enrolled courses (even if the normal deadline for withdrawal without academic penalty has passed), and the student will be obligated to adhere to the readmission requirements outlined below, if he or she desires to return to Barry after the problem has been treated and resolved.

Similarly, the university may require a student to take a medical leave-of-absence if, in the judgment of the Dean of Students or his designee, the student (a) poses a threat to the lives or safety of himself/herself and/or other members of the Barry community, or (b) has a medical or psychological problem which cannot be properly treated in the university setting and requires hospitalization or (c) has evidenced a medical condition or behavior that seriously interferes with the student’s ability to function and/or seriously interferes with the educational pursuits of other members of the Barry Community.

In making the decision to require a student to take a medical leave, the Dean of Students, or his designee acts out of concern for the student and his or her rights, concern for other students and concern for the university as a whole.  The Dean of Students, or his designee, will have to consider whether the university is able to provide the level of care and guidance needed, whether there is a likelihood that the student will pose a threat to himself/herself or others and/or to what extent the student seriously interferes with the rights of the others in the community to carry on their educational pursuits.  While on medical leave a student may not return to campus until officially readmitted with the permission of the vice president of Student Services or his/her designee.

For both voluntary and required leaves, the policy on refunds contained in the catalogue will apply.