Medical Leave of Absence
A medical leave of absence (MLOA) is an action initiated by a student to leave the College for physical, psychological, and/or substance abuse-related conditions when the conditions are impacting their ability to function safely or successfully in the College environment. Medical documentation will be required to support your request.
A student wishing to request a MLOA must discuss their request with the Student Support Care Team (SSCT) by calling 315-859-4463 or emailing studentsupport@hamilton.edu
Important to note:
The request for a MLOA must be submitted by the last day of classes of the semester in which the medical leave is effective. Exceptions to this deadline will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances in which a student is unable to make the request prior to the deadline (e.g., inpatient hospitalization or documented incapacitation). Requests after the deadline must be made in writing and submitted with subsequent medical documentation to the SSCT, will be reviewed by the Associate Vice President for Student Life, and any appropriate on campus medical provider.
Students who take a medical leave during a semester will normally be on leave for the remainder of that semester plus the subsequent semester. Students who have been on medical leave of absence must complete the requirements for return by the published deadlines. A SSCT case manager will be assigned to support students through the MLOA and return from MLOA process.
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In extraordinary circumstances when a student is unable or unwilling to take a voluntary leave of absence, the Dean of Students or a designee may place a student on an involuntary leave of absence if it is determined that the student's actions pose a direct threat to the safety of others or disrupt the learning environment for other students. Before an involuntary leave is considered, the Dean of Students will consult with the student and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) and encourage a voluntary leave of absence.
Prior to placing a student on an involuntary leave, the Dean of Students or a designee will meet with the student and explain the reasons why it is under consideration. The student will have an opportunity to respond. In determining whether an involuntary leave is necessary, the Dean of Students will confer with campus officials who can help evaluate whether a student’s behavior poses a direct threat to the safety of others or disrupts the learning environment for other students. The Dean of Students or designee may require an assessment by health care professionals who can assist in making an informed decision. In all cases, reasonable accommodations that would mitigate the need for an involuntary leave will be considered. In a case where a student’s behavior is judged by the Dean of Students or designee to pose an immediate and substantial disruption or threat to the safety of others, the dean or designee may take immediate action to place the student on an involuntary leave, providing the student an opportunity to respond to the action in a reasonable period of time.