What is a Medical Leave?

A Medical Leave is a complete withdrawal from enrollment in a term as a result of a medical condition causing a catastrophic impact on a student’s ability to remain enrolled. It is also referred to as a Medical Withdrawal.

How and When are Requests Reviewed?

  • Requests for Medical Leave are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
  • Requests for Return from Medical Leave are reviewed 4 times per year. 
    • If a request for Medical Leave results in "supported with readiness to return required", the student will need to request a Return from Medical Leave and receive a "supported" outcome before being able to re-enroll at MSU.
    • Return from Medical Leave review deadlines:
      • March 1 (for students who intend to re-enroll for Summer term)
      • May 15 (for student who intend to re-enroll for Fall term - early review)
      • July 15 (for students who intend to re-enroll for Fall term - standard review)
      • November 1 (for students who intend to re-enroll for Spring term)

Start Here

Process Summary

Download and read the entire summary before making a request in the Medical Leave and Return Process (a Microsoft Word document will download):
Click to view the full Medical Leave and Return Process Summary


Request Type

Depending on whether you are applying for a Medical Leave or requesting to Return from a Medical Leave, you will need to complete the applicable Treatment Provider Form associated with your request. 

Medical Leave: 

To request a Medical Leave for the current term or a previously completed term, please follow these steps:

  1.  Complete Part 1 of the Treatment Provider Form. Contact your licensed medical treatment provider to complete Part 2.  
  2. Complete the Student Request Form and upload the completed and signed Treatment Provider Form
  3. OSSA will confirm receipt of your request and provide guidance regarding next steps.

Return from Medical Leave:

To request to Return from Medical Leave, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete Part 1 of the Assessment and Recommendation for Return from Medical Leave Form. Contact your licensed medical treatment provider to complete Part 2.
  2. Complete the Student Request Form and upload the completed and signed Assessment and Recommendation for Return Form
  3. OSSA will confirm receipt of your request and provide guidance regarding next steps.

Refund Policy

All withdrawals from the University are subject to the Refund Policy: Refund of Course Fees and Tuition

  • If you have questions about your last date of attendance and how that affects the refund amount you may be eligible for, please contact the Office of Student Support & Accountability prior to initiating a request for Medical Leave.
    • For most requests for medical leave (medical withdrawal) that are supported, students receive a $500.00 lump-sum tuition refund for the term withdrawn.
  • If you receive financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine how taking a Medical Leave would impact your aid before initiating your request for leave.