Medical Leave of Absence/Reinstatement
When students experience a mental health condition that interferes significantly with their ability to function safely and successfully at NU, they may request a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA). MLOA allows time away from the university for treatment and recovery with the goal of restoring health and functioning.
Considering & Requesting MLOA
If considering an MLOA, students should consult directly with the appropriate office in their academic program (see below for more information pertaining to your respective program). Students may be required to meet with a CAPS therapist to discuss the MLOA process and to review treatment recommendations for the MLOA. If you are already in treatment with a provider, CAPS will typically consult with them during this process.
CAPS also recommends students check their insurance carrier to make sure health insurance coverage continues while on leave. If you are currently in treatment, CAPS recommends you discuss the possibility of requesting an MLOA with your provider.
If you are a student at Pritzker School of Law
If you are a student at Pritzker School of Law, information on MLOA/Reinstatement procedures, including how to request an MLOA and deadlines for your request, can be found on the
Law School's Leaves of Absence Webpage.If you are a student at Feinberg School of Medicine (e.g. MD, PA, DPT, etc.)
If you are a student at Feinberg School of Medicine (e.g. MD, PA, DPT, etc.), please contact your program for information about MLOA/Reinstatement requests, procedures, and deadlines. CAPS does not process MLOAs/Reinstatements for students who are in these programs.
If you are a student at The Graduate School (TGS) or a Non-TGS Graduate Student
If you are a student at The Graduate School (TGS) or a Non-TGS Graduate Student, more information on MLOA/Reinstatement procedures, including how to request an MLOA and deadlines for your request, can be found on the Dean of Students Webpage.
CAPS Forms for Students Requesting MLOA
*Note: Additional required forms for requesting MLOA can be found at the links above for your respective program.
Reinstatement
If CAPS was involved in your MLOA procedure, there are several steps to complete when seeking reinstatement.
If you are a student at Pritzker School of Law
If you are a student at Pritzker School of Law and currently on an MLOA, more information on MLOA/Reinstatement procedures, including how to request your reinstatement and deadlines for your request, can be found on the
Law School's Leaves of Absence Webpage.If you are a student at The Graduate School (TGS) or a Non-TGS Graduate Student
If you are a student at The Graduate School (TGS) or a Non-TGS Graduate Student, more information on MLOA/Reinstatement procedures, including how to request your reinstatement and deadlines for your request, can be found on the Dean of Students Webpage.
Forms for Treatment Providers of Students on MLOA
For treatment providers of students taking an MLOA from Northwestern University, this section contains information about MLOA and documentation that students will request from you in order to fulfill the requirements of their MLOA.