Riverland Medical Exception Policy

This policy outlines the process for students facing extenuating medical circumstances to request withdrawals, accommodations, or tuition-related considerations while supporting equitable access to education.

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

  1. 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 or program of study and now significantly impact academic progress are eligible.
    • A medical emergency requiring substantial caregiving responsibilities.
  2. Students requesting a medical withdrawal must provide pertinent medical information from their medical provider(s) documenting why a medical withdrawal is necessary.

Note: Students may experience delays in re-enrollment due to limited program capacity, course sequencing, clinical placement limitations, or other circumstances.

Student Options

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

1. 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, tuition and fee refunds will be evaluated with consideration for minimizing financial hardship.
  • International students seeking a medical withdrawal must comply with SEVIS rules and regulations.
  • Students receiving financial aid or financial assistance remain subject to the refund policies of sponsoring agencies.
  • Veterans should refer to:
  • A “W” grade will be issued and annotated on the transcript. The withdrawal will not impact GPA but may affect completion rate calculations.
  • If an approved medical withdrawal results in Academic Suspension due to completion rate, the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Committee will approve SAP appeals without receiving medical information.
  • If a medical withdrawal results in Financial Aid Suspension due to completion rate, the SAP Appeal Committee will consider the medical withdrawal when evaluating appeals without receiving medical information.
  • Students residing in on-campus housing may request a lease release for the remainder of the semester.

Incomplete Grade Option

  • Students may request an incomplete grade and complete coursework after sufficient recovery.
  • Remaining coursework must be completed within twenty (20) business days into the next semester or by the date established by the faculty member, whichever is earlier.
  • Students must follow:

2. Tuition Exchange

  • Students may retake course(s) without additional tuition charges.
  • Tuition waivers must be used within one academic year from the semester the medical exception is granted.
  • If a course is not offered within the academic year, the tuition waiver may be used during the next semester the course is offered or for an approved substitute course.

3. Continue with Reasonable Accommodations

  • Students may continue and complete coursework for full credit with approved accommodations.
  • Accommodations may include:
    • Alternative methods of course delivery
    • Excused absences for medical treatment
    • Other accommodations determined by the Advocacy and Accessibility Office
  • A passing grade may be awarded if sufficient academic progress is demonstrated, in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 192.502.

Scope

This policy applies to all Riverland students requesting medical withdrawal or accommodations.

Related Policies, Procedures, and Forms

Date Implemented: May 2026 - New

Responsible Division / Author: Student Affairs / Vice President of Strategic Enrollment & Equity