Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence Policy

AdventHealth University (“University”) recognizes that students may experience a physical or mental health condition that impairs the student’s ability to function safely or successfully in the University environment. In such situations, students have the option to request a voluntary medical leave of absence. Students are encouraged to prioritize their health and safety and take steps towards recovery, even if academic progress must be delayed.

The Dean of Students may approve a student’s request for a voluntary medical leave of absence based on the criteria set forth below and in collaboration with other University personnel, as needed, such as academic program leadership, mental health counselors, chaplains, the Title IX coordinator, the Behavioral Intervention Team, and other individuals whose participation is necessary for the effective evaluation of the student’s request for a voluntary medical leave of absence.

Students may request a voluntary medical leave of absence under the following circumstances:

• The student believes their serious physical or mental health condition is preventing successful engagement and completion of academic coursework;
• Severe complications related to a pregnancy; and/or
• Other significant physical or mental health conditions as determined on an individualized, case-by-case basis.

The duration of a voluntary medical leave of absence will be determined on an individualized, case-by-case basis, taking into account the student’s physical or mental health condition and academic program requirements. Typically, voluntary medical leaves of absence are granted for one trimester or longer, if necessary. Generally, voluntary medical leaves of absence will not be granted for a longer period than one year. Due to the structure of the University’s health sciences programs, the timing and/or length of a student’s voluntary medical leaves of absence may result in the student being required to re-take or finish course(s) in a future term.

A voluntary medical leave of absence may impact a student’s enrollment and academic work, including financial aid, on-campus housing, insurance, academic progress, and visa status. Students are responsible for researching the potential impacts of a voluntary medical leave of absence. However, students are encouraged to consult with the relevant University offices for additional information.

Students approved for a voluntary medical leave of absence are subject to the University’s Drop/Withdrawal Policy and will be eligible for a tuition and fee adjustment in accordance with the University’s Refund Policy. Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office to understand the specific financial aid implications of taking a voluntary medical leave of absence.

While on a voluntary medical leave of absence, a student may not register for classes at the University until they have been reinstated by the Dean of Students. Students on voluntary medical leave of absence are strongly encouraged to consult with their academic program, faculty advisor, and/or student experience manager in advance and have an academic plan in place.

Students experiencing a voluntary medical leave of absence are not permitted to be on campus for social or academic purposes until they have been reinstated. If access to campus is needed prior to reinstatement, the student must request and obtain permission in advance of their arrival on campus through the Dean of Students' office.

Students who disagree with the Dean of Students’ decision related to their voluntary medical leave of absence request have the right to appeal the decision to the Office of the Provost in accordance with the University’s Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence Standard Operating Procedure.

Students with a temporary injury or illness are encouraged to consult the Temporary Disabilities Policy as an alternative to this policy.  Additionally, students with disabilities may consult with Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) in order to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

For additional information and guidance concerning a voluntary medical leave of absence, please contact Josh Garrido, Dean of Students, at 407-303-8016 or Joshua.Garrido@ahu.edu.