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Reinstatement Request Process
Northwestern is a comprehensive research university that is deeply interdisciplinary across multiple schools. Our rigorous, yet empathetic, academic environment is impactful, producing top-tier research, new knowledge, creative expression and practical application. Students returning from medical leave of absence should be able to fully and consistently engage in their academic pursuits.
This means students will be responsible for adhering to class attendance policies, completing coursework in accordance with established deadlines, and participating respectfully and collaboratively in all learning environments. All Northwestern students are expected to be self-sufficient, able to live safely and independently, care for their basic human needs, and treat other members of the Northwestern community with dignity and respect.
Request a Reinstatement
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthwesternUniv&layout_id=105
Deadlines
Academic Year 2024-2025 Deadlines
Quarter | Deadline 5:00 PM Central Time |
---|---|
Summer 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
Academic Year 2025-2026 Deadlines
Quarter | Deadline 5:00 PM Central Time |
---|---|
Fall 2025 | August 8, 2025 |
Winter 2026 | November 28, 2025 |
Spring 2026 | February 20, 2026 |
Summer 2026 | May 15, 2026 |
Process
Step 1: Request a Reinstatement
- To request reinstatement consideration, please go to:
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthwesternUniv&layout_id=105
Step 2 – Provide Information to Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service
Students should submit the following information for mental health reinstatement requests:
- If you are returning form leave that was related to mental health reasons, your primary mental health provider(s) or treating facility will be required to provide details regarding your treatment and progress since taking a medical leave of absence through submitting this online provider reinstatement form.
- Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service will need all clinical documentation from your providers before a recommendation can be submitted to the Dean of Students regarding your MLOA request. This can be time sensitive, so please allow enough time to gather all necessary documents.
Searle Hall
633 Emerson Street
Phone: 847-491-8100
Health Service website
Students should submit the following information for physical health related requests:
If you are returning from leave that was related to physical health reasons, you will be required to submit a letter of support for reinstatement from your managing physician/providers to Student Health Service. The letter or additional documents should include:
- Your diagnosis
- Your course of treatment to date
- Your current condition
- Indication that the medical condition which prevented you from functioning successfully in academic activities has been resolved or sufficiently improved so that you may resume full university activities and any recommendations your treatment provider(s) have for further treatment upon your return to Northwestern
All relevant documentation should be submitted online through your MyNM patient portal.
Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service will need all documents before recommendations to the Dean of Students office can be submitted on your behalf. You will not be able to move forward in this process until all clinical documentation is received. This can be a time sensitive request, so please allow enough time to gather all necessary documents.
Searle Hall
633 Emerson Street
Phone: 847-491-8100
Health Service website
Step 3 – Attend Reinstatement Review Meeting
Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) staff will outreach to you to schedule a meeting. During this meeting SASS staff will review your request for the Reinstatement, talk with you about the Reinstatement process, and discuss next steps related to the Reinstatement process. If possible, a decision regarding whether or not the Reinstatement may be granted will be made during this meeting and shared with you.
Please allow approximately 3-5 business days following the completion of Step 2 for SASS Staff to outreach to schedule this meeting. If you are not contacted within 3-5 business days, please contact the Dean of Students office for an update and to schedule a medical leave of absence appointment with a member of the SASS.
Appointments cannot be scheduled until recommendations have been received from NMSHS.
- Dean of Students Office
- 601 University Place
- Scott Hall, Lower level
- Phone: 847-491-8430
- Dean of Students website
Determinations
The Dean of Students (DOS) will make a determination regarding reinstatement based on the recommendation provided by Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service. Reinstatement is based on the student's compliance with the MLOA requirements and their readiness to manage an academic course load and safely function in our community.
The DOS will notify the student and other necessary University offices in writing of the determination, and if approved, whether any conditions will apply. If reinstatement is denied, the student may appeal the determination.
Step 4 -Reinstated Students must complete the appropriate Re-Entry steps with the Office of the Registrar
Please visit the Registrar's "Returning from Time Away" website. Separate applications for Graduate and Undergraduate Students be found on this page along with instructions for Re-Entry. Please follow the instructions appropriate to your standing.
Appeal
If reinstatement is denied, the student may appeal the determination to the Dean of Students (or his or her designee) in writing within three (3) business days of the decision. The appeal should be made in writing and should set forth the basis for the appeal.
The Dean of Students shall review the record and any additional information submitted by the student and renders a decision within ten (10) business days of receiving the appeal.
The Dean of Students decision shall be final.
Related Information-Offices Contact Information
Students may wish to communicate with other offices during their reinstatement process. Such offices may include, but are not limited to:
AccessibleNU
- Phone: 847-467-5530
- Website: northwestern.edu/accessiblenu/
- Email: accessiblenu@northwestern.edu
Academic Advisor/School Dean
- Contact your school dean's office for information
Evanston Graduate Financial Aid
- Phone: 847-491-8950
- Website: https://www.northwestern.edu/evanston-graduate-financial-aid/contact/index.html
- Email: gradfinaid@northwestern.edu
Graduate School (TGS) Funding
- Phone: 847-491-5279
- Website: tgs.northwestern.edu/funding/index.html
- Email: tgs@northwestern.edu
Residential Services
- 2122 Sheridan Road, Suite 150
- Phone: 847-467-HOME (4663)
- Housing Assignments website
- Housing email: housing@northwestern.edu
Undergraduate Financial Aid
- Phone: 847-491-7400
- Website: undergradaid.northwestern.edu/
- Email: undergradaid@u.northwestern.edu
Chicago Campus Financial Aid
- Phone: 312-503-8722
- Website: chicagofinancialaid.northwestern.edu/
- Email: financial-aid-chicago@northwestern.edu