Medical Leave of Absence
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) through the Dean of Students Office. A Medical Leave of Absence allows students time away from the university for treatment and recovery, with the goal of restoring health and functioning.
The sections below contain information for students considering an MLOA, students seeking reinstatement from an MLOA, and treatment providers of students currently on an MLOA.
Considering & Requesting MLOA
More information on Medical Leaves of Absence, including how to request an MLOA, and deadlines for your request are available on the Student Affairs and Support Services webpage. If considering an MLOA, CAPS recommends that students and their families check their student’s insurance carrier to ensure 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.
Step 1: MLOA Application
Please visit SASS’s website here to submit your Medical Leave of Absence application. This must be done before you make contact with CAPS.
Please note students’ applications will only be processed during the quarter for which the student is requesting a Medical Leave of Absence.
Step 2: Healthcare Provider Report
Your next steps depend on if you do or do not have a current mental healthcare provider, such as a therapist or psychiatrist.
If You Do Have a Current Mental Healthcare Provider
Students who do have a current mental healthcare provider must have them complete the healthcare provider report, which can be found here.
To facilitate the MLOA process, CAPS will need to communicate with your mental healthcare provider and the Dean of Students office, which requires you to offer written permission for us to do so. By completing two releases of information, which can be found here, you are authorizing CAPS to receive information from your provider about your medical leave and share that information with the Dean of Students. Please complete two releases of information, one to your current mental healthcare provider, and the other to the Northwestern University Dean of Students Office. If you have questions, please contact the CAPS front desk at 847-491-2151.
If You Do Not Have a Current Mental Healthcare Provider
Students who do not have a current mental healthcare provider must have an MLOA evaluation done through CAPS. To do so, please drop in during our Same Day Access hours when you are available for at least a full hour. You will meet with a CAPS clinician and they will complete your healthcare provider report within a few days of your evaluation.
To facilitate the MLOA process, CAPS will need to communicate with the Dean of Students office, which requires you to offer written permission for us to do so. By completing a release of information, which can be found here, you are authorizing CAPS to share information with the Dean of Students about your Medical Leave of Absence application. Please make out a release of information to the Northwestern University Dean of Students Office. If you have questions, please contact the CAPS front desk at 847-491-2151.
Students who wish to complete Releases of Information in physical or PDF format can find the PDFs here: Blank Disclosure of Confidential Information and Dean of Students Office Disclosure of Confidential Information.
Reinstatement from MLOA
More information on MLOA reinstatements, including how to apply for reinstatement and deadlines for your request are available on SASS Medical Leave and Reinstatement Processes and Deadlines page.
Resources for a Student's MLOA Reinstatement
The links below contain the documentation necessary for an MLOA reinstatement application. Students must submit the following four forms;
- MLOA Reinstatement Application - the initial application for students seeking to begin a Medical Leave of Absence.
- CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) - in order to facilitate the reinstatement process, CAPS will need to communicate with your current mental healthcare provider about your treatment, and we require your written permission to do so. Please complete this release of information and make it out to your current mental healthcare provider.
- CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) with the Dean of Students Office - in order to facilitate the reinstatement process, CAPS will need to communicate with the Dean of Students Office about your application, and we require your written permission to do so. Please complete this release of information and make it out to the Northwestern University Dean of Students Office.
- Health Care Provider Report for MLOA Reinstatement - a summary from a student's mental healthcare provider about the student's treatment and progress since taking a medical leave of absence. Providers can find more information about completing the MLOA Healthcare Provider Report for reinstatement here.
Students who wish to complete Releases of Information in physical or PDF format can find the PDFs here: Blank Disclosure of Confidential Information and Dean of Students Office Disclosure of Confidential Information.