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Withdrawal for Medical Reasons and How To Return

Withdrawal for Medical Reasons

Students experiencing significant medical concerns may be able to withdraw for medical reasons from their entire course load. 

If you have decided to take a withdrawal for medical reasons, we recommend that you discuss this decision not just with your academic advisors and instructors, but also with trusted friends, family members and whoever else might offer you support and helpful information.

Please review the steps and resources on this page to help you communicate your decision to those who need to know at the University as well as individuals that have been supporting you throughout the process.

How To Withdraw for Medical Reasons

Step 1: Contact the Office of the Dean of Your Academic College

To initiate the process of withdrawing from the University for medical reasons, start by contacting the academic assistant dean or student service office director (ex. College of Arts & Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts, etc.). It is important to note:

  1. This withdrawal must be obtained by the day prior to the last day of classes of any given semester.
  2. Your college might ask that you provide professional verification of your condition. If you worked with a medical provider, inquire about their ability to provide the appropriate documentation.
  3. Withdrawal for medical reasons will result in a Dean of Students (medical) Hold on your student account. You will receive grades of WP or WF for all of your classes, but your overall GPA will not be affected.

Find your academic assistant dean or student service office director

Center for International Studies
Catherine Cutcher, cutcher@ohio.edu , 740-597-2756

College of Arts and Sciences
Randy Price, pricer1@ohio.edu , 740-593-2844

College of Business
Business Academic Advising & Career Services, baacs@ohio.edu , 740-593-2005

Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts
Maureen Wagner, wagnerm@ohio.edu , 740-593-1813

College of Health Sciences & Professions
Betsy Kunstel, kunstel@ohio.edu , 740-593-9336

Graduate College
Katie Tadlock, tadlockk@ohio.edu , 740-593-2860

Honors Tutorial College
Breanna Sisler, sisler@ohio.edu , 740-593-2496

Patton College of Education
Monica Price, hatfielm@ohio.edu , 740-593-1302

Russ College of Engineering & Technology
Paula Linscott, linscop1@ohio.edu , 740-593-1573

Scripps College of Communication
Greg Moeller, moellerg@ohio.edu , 740-593-0246

University College
Kris Kumfer, university.college@ohio.edu , 740-593-1935


Regional Campus Student Services Office Directors
Chillicothe –Ashlee Tatman, tatman@ohio.edu , 740-774-7229
Eastern –Jennifer Kellner-Muscar, kellner@ohio.edu , 740-699-2347
Lancaster –Sarah Bogdewiecz, sbogdewiecz@ohio.edu , 740-681-3333
Southern –Robert Pleasant, pleasanr@ohio.edu , 740-533-4600
Zanesville –Jason Howard, howardj2@ohio.edu , 740-588-1432

Step 2: Complete a Tuition Appeal

Tuition appeals consider student request for reimbursement of tuition charges associated with a withdraw from Ohio University. Once completed, the tuition appeal should be submitted for review through the academic college in which the student is enrolled. To learn how to submit a tuition appeal and to whom you should submit it, review the Student Tuition Appeals and Late Drops webpage .

  • Communicating About a Withdrawal

    If you have decided to take a withdrawal for medical reasons, it may feel hard to know what to say or how to discuss it with your academic advisors and instructors, trusted friends and family members, and others who you feel may offer support. To help facilitate these conversations, we've created a guide with some examples. 

  • Stay Connected During Medical Withdrawal

    When you take a withdrawal for medical reasons, it's helpful to have someone at OHIO who can be a trusted person and point of contact through whom you can maintain a connection and a sense of belonging. This person, or people, can help you navigate the paperwork and processes involved in leaving and returning and how to manage your time during your withdrawal. 

How To Return To School

We hope you will be able to return to your studies at Ohio University, which you can do after medical clearance has been granted by a healthcare professional treating your condition. Please note that while the "medical hold" is in effect you will not be able to register for classes.

If you decide to apply for re-enrollment to Ohio University, you must complete these steps:

  1. Submit all required paperwork one (1) month in advance of the semester in which you wish to re-enroll.
  2. Have the provider in charge of your treatment complete a Readiness to Return Form [PDF] and required written assessment. 
  3. Notify your provider that they must submit the required written assessment as stated on the Readiness to Return form.
  4. Sign a form authorizing the release of information [PDF] to the Office of the Dean of Students so that the staff can speak to your provider. The purpose of sharing this information is to establish that you have resolved the difficulties that caused you to withdraw for medical reasons and that you are now prepared to successfully return. Aside from downloading the form in this step, you may also obtain the release of information from your practitioner.
  5. Please call the Office of the Dean of Students to verify that the Readiness to Return Form, provider letter, and Release of Information Form have been received and answer any remaining questions. Please note: The Office of the Dean of Students usually requires a conversation between students and a member of our team prior to any final decision to lift a medical hold prior to re-enrollment, and that the University retains the right to grant final clearance.
  6. Re-enroll through the Office of the Registrar by completing the Re-enrollment Form .
  7. Please review the Campus Resources [PDF] when Returning from Medical Withdrawal. 

If you are unable to access the forms mentioned in any step, you may obtain a copy by calling the Office of the Dean of Students at 740.593.1800 .

  • Assess Your Readiness to Return to School

    Returning to OHIO after a leave of absence, like any transition, can be filled with emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. It's important to reflect on how you feel, as your feelings about your readiness are central to your next steps in how and when you re-engage in coursework. Use our guide to help you examine and track your readiness to return to school, as well as explore resources to facilitate your transition and map out the logistics for a successful return.

  • Questions?

    If you have any questions about the process of medical withdrawal and re-enrollment, please do not hesitate to call the Office of the Dean of Students at 740.593.1800. 

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