2.30 Riverland Medical Exception Policy

PURPOSE:

To ensure students facing extenuating medical condition(s) can request to withdraw from courses without undue financial, academic, or procedural penalties, while prioritizing equitable access to education.

APPLICABILITY:

This policy supports equitable access to education by outlining processes for students facing medical circumstances.

Eligibility:

Students may request a medical withdrawal if they experience:
- An extenuating physical or mental health condition. Known medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses that have changed since the time of enrollment in the course/program of study and now significantly impact academic progress are eligible. (Example: A student was diagnosed with depression six years ago. That diagnosis by itself would not qualify for a medical withdrawal. However, if the student had serious issues this semester because of the depression that significantly impacted their school performance, they may be eligible.)
- A medical emergency requiring substantial caregiving responsibilities.
Students requesting a medical withdrawal will need to provide pertinent medical information from their medical provider(s) that document why a medical withdrawal is necessary.

NOTE: Students may be delayed in re-enrollment in programs or courses due to limited capacity, course sequencing issues, clinical placement limitations, and other circumstances.

Student Options:

Students facing medical interruptions may select one of the following options:

Withdraw and Refund:
- Students may withdraw from one or more courses for which tuition and fees have been paid. Upon approval of a medical withdrawal request, a refund of tuition and fees will be evaluated with consideration for minimizing financial hardship on the student. International students seeking a medical withdrawal must still comply with SEVIS rules and regulations. Students receiving financial aid or financial assistance will be subject to the refund policies of the agencies sponsoring the aid. Veterans refer to System Procedure 5.12.1 - Military Service and Veterans with Disabilities.
- A “W” grade will be issued and annotated on the transcript, ensuring no impact on GPA; it will count in credits attempted and earned, thus impacting completion rate.
- If an approved medical withdrawal results in Academic Suspension due to completion rate, the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal committee will approve SAP appeals. The committee will not receive any medical information.
- If this medical withdrawal results in Financial Aid Suspension due to completion rate, the SAP Appeal committee will take Medical Withdrawals into consideration when evaluating SAP appeals. The committee will not receive any medical information.
- If the student is residing in on-campus housing at the time of the approved medical withdrawal, the student may request a lease release for the remainder of the semester.
Incomplete:
Students may request an incomplete grade and complete coursework upon sufficient recovery. Students complete remaining coursework within twenty (20) business days into the next semester OR by the date stipulated by the granting faculty member (whichever date is earlier).
- Students must follow the 2.22 Grading Policy and 2.221 Incomplete Grading Procedure.
Tuition Exchange:
- Course(s) completion may be facilitated by retaking the course(s) without additional tuition charges.
- Tuition waiver must be used within one academic year from the semester the medical exception is granted.
*If the course is not offered within the academic year, the tuition waiver may be used the next semester the course is offered or a suitable course substitution.
Continue with Reasonable Accommodations:
- Students may continue and complete the course for full credit.
  - Alternative method of delivery (independent study, bi-modal, tri-modal or asynchronous online) or
  - Excused Absences due to medical treatment so they do not adversely impact grades.
  - Other reasonable accommodations as determined by the Advocacy and Accessibility Office.
- A passing grade may be awarded if the student demonstrates sufficient progress, per Minn. Stat. § 192.502.