School Withdrawal and Readmission

Voluntary Withdrawal: A student may voluntarily withdraw from school at any time upon application to the Senior Associate Dean of the MD/PhD program (MD/PhD students) or the Graduate School’s Senior Associate Dean overseeing their degree program (PhD Programs in Basic Science, Master’s in Basic Science, Master’s and Certificates in Public Health and Health Administration and PhD in Clinical Research). The request must be made by submitting a Program Withdrawal Request Form. For further information on withdrawing from a specific program, refer to the program-specific chapter of this handbook.

Administrative Withdrawal: Administrative withdrawal is the process by which a student is formally dis-enrolled from their degree program for specific reasons. While the final decision rests with the Graduate School Dean, the decision is informed by the evaluation and recommendations of the Committee for Academic Review of the Graduate School. The Dean or their designee may administratively withdraw a student for, but not limited to, the following causes:

  1. Failure to Register A student will be administratively withdrawn if they fail to register for classes by the end of the add/drop period or in subsequent semesters for a maximum of 2 semesters. Timely registration is essential to maintain enrollment status.

  2. Failure to Return from Leave of Absence A student will be administratively withdrawn if they do not return on time from an approved leave of absence (LOA). Students are required to register for coursework upon returning from an LOA, to reactivate their enrollment. Failure to adhere to the return from leave process will result in administrative withdrawal.

  3. Medical Reasons A student may be withdrawn for medical conditions or other extenuating circumstances or behaviors that are threatening, self-destructive, or disruptive.

  4. Safety of the Student or Others A student may be withdrawn to protect the safety of the student, others, or the integrity of the School's learning environment. This includes situations involving alleged criminal behavior or any risk posed to the community.

  5. Professionalism A student may be withdrawn for behavior and conduct that are inconsistent with the expected professional standards as outlined in the Academic Policies and General Rules of Conduct for ISMMS Students.

Students who voluntarily withdraw or are administratively withdrawn are subject to the Tuition Refund Policy.

Readmission: A student who withdraws or is administratively withdrawn from the School may apply for, but are not guaranteed, readmission. Former students who wish to reapply to a program can submit an Application for Readmission. As part of the readmission process, former students will be required to discuss their academic plans with the faculty Program Director of their degree program. The Program Director and former student will create an academic plan of action for approval by the Senior Associate Dean overseeing their program prior to readmission. To be readmitted, former students must be in good standing and resolve any outstanding holds on their accounts, including any prior financial obligations. Students who are readmitted following a withdrawal must adhere to the degree requirements outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of their readmission. Additionally, students may be required to repeat coursework if the prior coursework no longer meets the degree requirements of the current catalog year.

In cases of voluntary or administrative withdrawal for medical, r mental health reasons, the student must submit a written progress assessment from a treating health professional as part of their Application for Readmission. The Director of the Student & Trainee Mental Health Program (STMH) and/or the Director of the Student Health Center (SHC) may require the student to provide a release form. This release allows the STMH and/or SHC Directors to discuss the student’s current treatment and follow-up needs with the treating health professional to determine whether the student is qualified, medically fit, and ready to return to the School. Approval from the Director of STMH or the Director of SHC is mandatory for any student who has withdrawn or been withdrawn for medical or mental health reasons and seeks readmission.missions office for all applicants.

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