At times, a student needs to interrupt their studies at BU to take care of their health; sometimes for just a few days, other times for an entire semester. According to BU policy, SHS staff cannot write a note to a professor to excuse you from a class or an exam. Students are encouraged to reach out on their own and discuss individual circumstances with their professor.
If a student is experiencing an ongoing medical issue or illness which requires accommodations, they should reach out to Disability & Access Services (DAS), which can help make these arrangements. Students who are experiencing brief or mild issues or illness, such as upper respiratory infections, may reach out directly to their professors if classes or assignments have been missed. If you are considering a leave of absence or withdrawal, please contact the University Service Center immediately to discuss your situation by phone (617-358-1818) or email usc@bu.edu. See “Taking a Leave of Absence” below for FAQs.
Returning From a Leave of Absence?
University policy requires that students interrupting studies for medical reasons complete a review process that is initiated through Student Health Services. The first step in returning from a Medical Leave of Absence is to complete and submit the required documentation to Student Health Services. You will be notified if you are required to speak with a clinician as part of your return from leave. The University’s Medical Review Committee reviews completed requests for reenrollment once monthly. Deadlines to submit all required paperwork are the 1st of each month. Decisions will come from the Dean of Students at the end of the month they were reviewed in.
Return From Leave of Absence Forms
Visit the USC website to find the return arrangements checklists, deadlines and dates that forms must be submitted by, and the medical review page, to help guide you step by step.
What if I am hospitalized?
Who Do I Need to Tell?
If you are hospitalized, please call 617-358-2818 or use PatientConnect to contact the Clinical Case Manager at Student Health Services, to let us know. Informing us of a hospitalization allows us to work with students, families, hospital staff, and BU departments to facilitate care and coordinate services. Families of students and community providers are welcome to call Student Health Services to report hospitalizations and discuss next steps on a student’s behalf.
It is always a good idea, whenever possible, for the student to contact the academic area directly. Advisors can alert you to any school-specific expectations or next steps, and if necessary, can assist you in communicating with instructors, so you can focus on getting healthy while in the hospital.
Will I be Able to Return to School After My Hospitalization?
Yes. A hospitalization does not prevent students from remaining enrolled in school.
The only caveat is that you will need to be aware of how time away from your classes will impact your ability to make up the work that you have missed. While teachers are accommodating in the event of missed classes, sometimes being away too long makes it impossible to catch up and you might want to explore other options.
Will I have to make up all the work that I miss?
You are still responsible for the workload in your classes. Professors will work with you as much as they are able. If you still have concerns, speak with your academic advisor.
Do I have to tell my professors why I was hospitalized?
No, you do not. This is your private information and you are free to choose if you would like to share or not.
Should I be in touch with my professors?
While hospitalized, if you are able to email or call professors, it doesn’t hurt to give them a personalized message informing them of your hospitalization. After you return from the hospital, you should email your instructors to inform them of your return, and confirm arrangements to make up the course material that you have missed.
What if I can’t manage my current classes and get healthy at the same time?
There are a number of different ways to balance health and academics. Many students choose to reduce their course load, either by dropping a class or two or by switching to part-time status.
In order to maintain the benefits of being a full-time student while taking a reduced course load, many students apply for this accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. ODS helps students get many other types of accommodations as well, in order to meet their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
Finally, some students choose to take a Leave of Absence or Withdrawal.
What if I don’t want to come back or can’t return?
Sometimes this will be the best choice for a student. The next step is really to decide how you would like to leave the University. Some students chose to withdraw from BU permanently. Other students take a Leave of Absence (see below) for medical reasons. This can often allow students time to get medical support and return to school when they are ready. Graduate students should speak with their department or advisor to evaluate options. Undergraduate students should contact the
University Service Center.
Taking a Leave of Absence
What is a Leave of Absence?
A Leave of Absence is a temporary interruption in studies, typically for a semester. It is not the same as missing a few days of classes due to illness or hospitalization.
How do I apply for a medical leave?
There is no separate status for “medical leave” at BU. However, when a medical reason is involved, students should explain this to whoever is helping them set up the leave (USC or graduate area) in order for them to advise you about any special considerations (medical review, requesting an exception to housing or tuition refund schedules, appeals of financial aid policies, etc.).
How can I arrange for a leave?
How does this effect my visa status?
If you have a student visa, you must contact
ISSO to speak with an advisor before submitting your Leave of Absence paperwork. Taking a Leave of Absence can have significant visa-related implications, so it is important to discuss options with ISSO.
How long do I have to move out of the dorms?
Students living on campus will have 48 hours to move out and return their keys. Off-campus leased housing is not effected by a Leave of Absence.
How will it show up on my transcript?
A leave will result in a “Leave of Absence” notation on your academic transcript. Individual classes may have a notation of “W” for withdrawal, depending on the timing of your leave.
Can I take a Leave of Absence at any time?
Leaves of Absence are only available through a certain point in the semester. See the leave/withdrawal semester-specific schedules at
http://www.bu.edu/reg/calendars/refund/. After this specified date, students who are unable to finish coursework on time due to health reasons should work with their academic areas to discuss options.
Do I get any money back for the semester?
Semester tuition and fees are cancelled in accordance with the
published tuition refund schedule. If medical circumstances prompt a mid-semester leave, USC staff (for undergraduates) or your academic area (for graduate and MET students) can discuss the possibility of requesting an exception to the tuition refund schedule. Exceptions, if approved, typically take the form of a tuition credit, which can be applied to the cost of future classes upon re-enrollment.
Will a Leave of Absence affect my financial aid?
Financial aid eligibility for the current and future semesters may be affected. Talk with your graduate advisor, and/or the financial aid office to discuss your concerns.
Still have questions?
Please call SHS at 617-358-2818 and speak with our clinical case manager.