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Withdrawal for Medical Reasons and How To Return

Withdrawal for Medical Reasons

Students experiencing significant medical concerns may withdraw from their full course load for medical reasons. We understand that deciding to withdraw for medical reasons can feel overwhelming and deeply personal.

If you are considering or have decided to pursue a withdrawal for medical reasons, we encourage you to connect not only with your academic advisor and instructors, but also with trusted friends, family members, and others who can offer care, support, and guidance during this time.

Please review the steps and resources on this page to help you navigate the process, communicate with the appropriate university offices, and stay connected with the people who are supporting you throughout your decision and recovery.

How To Withdraw for Medical Reasons

Step 1: Contact the Office of the Dean of Your Academic College

To initiate the process of withdrawing from the University for medical reasons, start by contacting the academic assistant dean or student service office director (ex. College of Arts & Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, etc.). It is important to note:

  1. This withdrawal must be obtained by the day prior to the last day of classes of any given semester.
  2. Your college might ask that you provide professional verification of your condition. If you worked with a medical provider, inquire about their ability to provide the appropriate documentation.
  3. Withdrawal for medical reasons will result in a Dean of Students (medical) Hold on your student account. You will receive grades of WP or WF for all of your classes, but your overall GPA will not be affected.

Find your academic assistant dean or student service office director

Center for International Studies
Catherine Cutcher, cutcher@ohio.edu, 740-597-2756

College of Arts and Sciences
Adam Brown, browna8@ohio.edu, 740-593-2532

College of Business
Business Academic Advising & Career Services, baacs@ohio.edu, 740-593-2005

Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts
Maureen Wagner, wagnerm@ohio.edu, 740-593-1813

College of Health Sciences & Professions
Betsy Kunstel, kunstel@ohio.edu, 740-593-9336

Graduate College
Katie Tadlock, tadlockk@ohio.edu, 740-593-2860

Honors Tutorial College
Breanna Sisler, sisler@ohio.edu, 740-593-2496

Patton College of Education
Monica Price, hatfielm@ohio.edu, 740-593-1302

Russ College of Engineering & Technology
Paula Linscott, linscop1@ohio.edu, 740-593-1573

Scripps College of Communication
Greg Moeller, moellerg@ohio.edu, 740-593-0246

University College
Sarah Bogdewiecz, sbogdewiecz@ohio.edu


Regional Campus Student Services Office Directors
Chillicothe – Ashlee Tatman, tatman@ohio.edu, 740-774-7229
Eastern – Jennifer Kellner-Muscar, kellner@ohio.edu, 740-699-2347
Lancaster – Phyllis Lanier, hughesp@ohio.edu, 740-681-3324
Southern – Robert Pleasant, pleasanr@ohio.edu, 740-533-4600
Zanesville – Jason Howard, howardj2@ohio.edu, 740-588-1432

Step 2: Connect with Housing and Residence Life

If living on campus, connect with Housing and Residence Life staff to arrange a plan for checkout. Note that students are required to check out of their room within 48 hours after withdrawing from all classes.

Step 3: Stay Connected During Medical Withdrawal

If you have questions about the medical withdrawal process, we're here to help. For academic questions, contact your academic success advisor. If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships, or the financial impact of withdrawing, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office. For all other questions about the medical withdrawal process, contact the Office of the Dean of Students for guidance and support.

  • Complete a Tuition Appeal

    Tuition appeals consider student requests for reimbursement of tuition charges associated with a withdrawal from Ohio University. Once completed, the tuition appeal should be submitted for review through the academic college in which the student is enrolled. 

How To Return To School

We hope you will be able to return to your studies at Ohio University, which you can do after medical clearance has been granted by a healthcare professional treating your condition. Please note that while the "medical hold" is in effect you will not be able to register for classes.

If you decide to apply for re-enrollment to Ohio University, you must complete these steps:

  1. Have the provider in charge of your treatment complete a Readiness to Return Form [PDF ADA] and required written assessment.
  2. Notify your provider that they must submit the required written assessment as stated on the Readiness to Return form.
  3. Sign a form authorizing the release of information [PDF ADA] to the Office of the Dean of Students so that the staff can speak to your provider. The purpose of sharing this information is to establish that you have resolved the difficulties that caused you to withdraw for medical reasons and that you are now prepared to successfully return. Aside from downloading the form in this step, you may also obtain the release of information from your practitioner.
  4. Re-enroll through the Office of the Registrar by completing the Re-enrollment Form.
  5. Connect with campus resources to plan your successful return.

If you are unable to access the forms mentioned in any step, you may obtain a copy by calling the Office of the Dean of Students at 740.593.1800.

  • Assess Your Readiness to Return to School

    Returning to OHIO after a leave of absence, like any transition, can be filled with emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. It's important to reflect on how you feel, as your feelings about your readiness are central to your next steps in how and when you re-engage in coursework. Use our guide to help you examine and track your readiness to return to school, as well as explore resources to facilitate your transition and map out the logistics for a successful return.

  • Questions?

    If you have any questions about the process of medical withdrawal and re-enrollment, please do not hesitate to call the Office of the Dean of Students at 740.593.1800.