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Medical Leave of Absence

When students experience a mental health condition that interferes significantly with their ability to function safely and successfully at NU, they may request a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) through the Dean of Students Office. A Medical Leave of Absence allows students time away from the university for treatment and recovery, with the goal to restore health and functioning.

The sections below contain information for students considering an MLOA, students seeking reinstatement from an MLOA, and treatment providers of students currently on an MLOA.

 

Considering & Requesting MLOA

More information on MLOA, including how to request an MLOA, and deadlines for your request are available on the Dean of Students Webpage. If considering an MLOA, CAPS recommends that students and their families check their student’s insurance carrier to ensure health insurance coverage continues while on leave. If you are currently in treatment, CAPS recommends you discuss the possibility of requesting an MLOA with your provider.

Resources for a Student's MLOA Application

The links below contain the documentation necessary for an MLOA application. Students are required to submit four forms:

  1. MLOA Application - the initial application for students seeking to begin a Medical Leave of Absence.
  2. CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) - also called a Disclosure of Confidential Information, this document should be made out to the student's mental healthcare provider so CAPS can communicate with them about the student's treatment. If the student does not have a mental healthcare provider, please contact CAPS at 847-491-2151. Please note students must complete both releases of information.
  3. CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) with the Dean of Students Office - also called a Disclosure of Confidential Information, this document should be made out to the Northwestern Dean of Students Office so CAPS can communicate with the Dean of Students about the student's MLOA application. Please note students must complete both releases of information.
  4. Health Care Provider Report for MLOA Application - a summary from the student's mental healthcare provider about the student's treatment and need for a medical leave of absence. If the student does not have a mental healthcare provider, please contact CAPS at 847-491-2151.

 

Reinstatement From MLOA

More information on MLOA reinstatements, including how to apply for reinstatement and deadlines for your request are available on the Dean of Students Reinstatement Request Page. CAPS also has prepared a reinstatement guide, which can be found below.

Resources for a Student's MLOA Reinstatement

The links below contain the documentation necessary for an MLOA reinstatement application. Students are required to submit four forms:

  1. MLOA Reinstatement Application - the initial application for students seeking to begin a Medical Leave of Absence.
  2. CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) - also called a Disclosure of Confidential Information, this document should be made out to the student's mental healthcare provider so CAPS can communicate with them about the student's treatment. Please note students must complete both releases of information.
  3. CAPS Authorization for Release of Information (ROI) with the Dean of Students Office - also called a Disclosure of Confidential Information, this document should be made out to the Northwestern Dean of Students Office so CAPS can communicate with them about the student's MLOA reinstatement. Please note students must complete both releases of information.
  4. Health Care Provider Report for MLOA Reinstatement - a summary from a student's mental healthcare provider about the student's treatment and progress since taking a medical leave of absence.

Students who wish to complete Releases of Information in physical or PDF format can find the PDFs here: Blank Disclosure of Confidential Information and Dean of Students Office Disclosure of Confidential Information.