Deadlines and Determination
Deadlines
- Students must apply for a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) by the established deadline (generally the end of the 8th week of classes - earlier for Summer Session(s)).
- The process must be completed 1 business day before: the final day of the term; any of your final coursework, projects, exams are due - whichever happens first.
- A MLOA cannot be processed if a student has taken a final exam or final coursework for any of their classes in the given quarter. A MLOA typically lasts two quarters.
- The deadline for reinstatement is by the established deadline (typically six weeks before the quarter in which you wish to return to Northwestern).
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM Central Time on the MLOA deadline dates below.
Academic Year 2026-2027 Deadlines
| Quarter | Deadline - 5:00 PM Central Time |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | May 22, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | August 14, 2026* |
| Fall 2026 | November 13, 2026 |
| Winter 2027 | February 26, 2027 |
| Spring 2027 | May 21, 2027 |
| *for 10 week classes; deadlines are earlier for shorter sessions. | |
Determination
Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) will notify the student in writing of the determination. The approval for MLOA will include some treatment expectations during the leave of absence which will be individually tailored to meet each student’s situation. SASS may notify parents and appropriate university departments of the student’s change in status.