Medical & Military Leave Checklist

Starting a Medical Leave of Absence

A matriculated student who withdraws from the University for medical reasons may apply for a Medical Leave of Absence. A Medical Leave for physical or psychological health reasons is intended to allow a student sufficient time away from campus for a sustained recovery and/or stability, and for activities that contribute to a successful return.

Step One: Contact the Office of the Dean of Students 

To initiate a withdrawal the student may contact the Office of the Dean of Students (ODS) at [email protected] or 315-312-5483. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Please note, only the student can initiate the withdrawal process. 

Step Two: Submit Documentation 

The student must provide documentation from a clinician or physician in order to withdraw. This documentation must indicate how the student's personal health is impacting their ability to complete the current semester. The letter from your clinician or physician must be on official letterhead and include the following: 

• Specific issues, diagnosis/ medical issues leading to the recommendation to withdraw; 
• Date of evaluation and any other points of contact with the student; 
• Recommended course of action or treatment

Step Three: Consultation Meeting 

After the student's documentation has been reviewed and approved, they will meet with our Associate Dean of Students. The student will discuss their documentation, and their next steps in the withdrawal process. At this time students are encourage to consult with other offices to determine the financial, academic, and housing implications of their withdrawal. 

Step Four: Submit Withdrawal Request

After the student has submitted documentation, and met with our Associate Dean of Students, information on how to initiate and complete the withdrawal will be sent to the student's Oswego email. Students will complete the process using an online system. Updates will be sent to the student as the online process progresses. If a student is not able to complete an online process, they will need to clearly indicate that to the ODS staff and our office will assist. 

Step Five: Finalizing the Withdrawal

After the student completes the process they will receive an email that confirms the completion of the withdrawal. 

Readmission 

Requests for return from medical leave require a letter from the student along with a letter from the student’s clinician(s) documenting the student's treatment and readiness to return. These materials must be received by the Office of the Dean of Students at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester in which the student expects to return.

The Dean of Students must approve the student’s return. Once a student is cleared to return from a medical leave, their previous academic standing will apply.

Medical Leave Readmission Process

Starting a Military Leave of Absence 

A matriculated student who is called up to active duty with the military or deployed for military action is eligible for a Military Leave of Absence. A Military Leave of Absence will facilitate a student’s return to Oswego if the student wishes to return within one year from the date of discharge from active service or return from deployment. Please see the policy and procedures for students called to active duty Veteran and Military Services | SUNY Oswego.

Students are asked to speak with the Office of the Dean of Students to initiate the process. Students are required to provide hard copies of their Orders (one copy is needed for withdrawal documentation), consult with the Office of Financial Aid and inform the Veteran and Military Coordinator

Return To Campus From Military Leave

To return to Oswego, a student on Military Leave of Absence must notify the Registrar’s Office of their intent to return to Oswego. A student on Military Leave of Absence may participate in the Advance Registration period only after they have notified the Registrar’s Office. Documentation of discharge or reassignment will be required.

If the Military Leave of Absence expires, a student must follow the procedures for readmission to the University.