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Scope

This policy is for both undergraduate and graduate students who need to withdraw from classes for the student’s own medical reasons including, but not limited to, illness, injury, or other conditions that are mental or physical.

Policy Statement

The University of Nebraska at 51ÉçÇø may authorize a late-term withdrawal of a student for the student’s own medical reasons.  

A medical withdrawal provides the student with an opportunity to seek treatment or care that eliminates the interfering health condition or assists in managing or controlling the interfering health condition to a degree that enables the student to complete the academic requirements with or without accommodation.

A request for withdrawal must be supported by thorough documentation from the requesting student and a licensed healthcare provider.  For the purposes of this policy, thorough documentation would include a Personal Statement from the student and a Medical Provider Statement from an impartial, licensed health care provider (see below).

Reason for Policy

The University is committed to supporting students who are experiencing a medical condition that interferes with their ability to successfully complete their academic work.

Procedures

Guidelines for Medical Withdrawals 

1. The term “medical” is broad and includes illnesses, injuries, or other conditions that are mental or physical.
   
   
2. Medical withdrawals may occur at any time during a semester. Students withdrawing from courses after the withdrawal deadline must provide a detailed explanation to support their requests for withdrawal.  Medical withdrawals for a prior term may only submitted for prior three (3) terms; students who would have considered medical withdrawal for any term outside of this range may be eligible for Academic Amnesty (see definitions).
   
   
3. Medical withdrawals are considered complete withdrawals. This means that students requesting medical withdrawal are withdrawn from all classes.  In certain circumstances, a student may be granted a partial withdrawal for medical reasons.  If a partial medical withdrawal is sought, the supporting documentation must justify it.
   • Once a student has received credit for a course (see definitions), it cannot be withdrawn.

4. Requests for medical withdrawal must be completed in writing and be accompanied by documentation supporting the request (see below). Students should complete the request form when capable.  If the student is not capable, a designee may do so on behalf of the student.  The University will consider the student’s designated emergency contact as a designee unless another individual is warranted by the circumstances surrounding the request for medical withdrawal.

5. The University will consider a student’s enrollment history and past withdrawals before granting a medical withdrawal. Additional requests for medical withdrawal are not normally granted for the same medical condition or circumstances unless the student presents new documentation from a medical provider.  

6. At times, students who request medical withdrawal for the current term in which they are enrolled may also have registered for courses in future terms. The student’s future courses may be administratively withdrawn by the University if the request for medical withdrawal is approved.  This decision is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is based on factors such as (a) the time at which the medical concern arises in the present term, (b) the severity or intensity of the medical condition, (c) the extensiveness of treatment, and (d) the opinion of the treating healthcare provider. Students should be cautious in attempting to return to school before they are physically or mentally ready.

7. Students who are granted a medical withdrawal will have withdrawals (Ws) recorded on their transcript. In limited circumstances, a student may have course(s) removed from their enrollment record.  In determining if an exception is available, the University will consider the individual’s circumstances, federal financial aid or scholarships, portion of the course completed in a semester, and other extraordinary circumstances.

8. When reasonably available and depending on the student’s circumstances, a students granted a medical withdrawal may be eligible for a tuition refund depending on when in the semester the medical concern arises. Tuition refunds will only be available for the current or future terms.  Students should be aware that they may have to repay a portion or the full amount of their federal financial aid or scholarships and should consult with the Office of Financial Support and Scholarship for their individual details.

9. Withdrawing can have implications for degree completion, future registration, financial aid eligibility, return of financial aid funds, visa status, and University Housing contracts. Students contemplating medical withdrawal should be aware and reach out to University administrators with responsibility for these programs to identify potential and/or likely effects of granting a medical withdrawal.  An administrator/staff member will explain to the student the impact a medical withdrawal may have on their status as a student.  Students should review ”Considering a Complete University Withdrawal” information sheet before withdrawing from classes.

10. Any student not enrolled at the University for a significant period of time, including those granted a medical withdrawal, may be required to re-apply for admission to the University. Review the Undergraduate Readmit Policy for more information.  for more information.

11. If there are other circumstances that do not fit in the descriptions of this policy, the student can submit a Non-Medical Withdrawal Request to the University’s Student Appeal Committee.

Determining Type of Medical Withdrawal

Which best describes your situation?

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for the current term. I am not enrolled for next term and/or I do not plan to take courses in the next term.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 1.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for the current term. I am enrolled for next term, and I do plan to take courses in the next term. Next term does not begin for at least one month.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 1.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for the current term. I am enrolled for next term, and I do plan to take courses in the next term. Next term begins within the next month.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 2.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for the current term. I am not enrolled for next term, but I do plan to take courses in the next term. Next term does not begin for at least one month.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 1.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for the current term. I am not enrolled for next term, but I do plan to take courses in the next term. Next term begins within the next month.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 2.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for a prior term. I am not enrolled in the current term.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 1.

• I am seeking a withdrawal from courses for a prior term. I am enrolled in the current term.
  • You will complete the Medical Withdrawal Process: Option 2. 

Students who are unsure of which option to choose from above should contact the Medical Withdrawals Committee by emailing medicalwithdrawals@unomaha.edu for further guidance.

Requesting a Medical Withdrawal – Option 1

Students requesting medical withdrawal for the current term or for a prior term while not currently being enrolled in classes must request a medical withdrawal in accordance with the following sequence of procedures.

Step 1: Contact the Medical Withdrawals Committee by emailing medicalwithdrawals@unomaha.edu to discuss the procedures for requesting a medical withdrawal.

Step 2: Complete the request form for a medical withdrawal which is available online: .  In completing the request form, students will submit supporting documentation, including a Personal Statement from the student and a Medical Provider Statement from an impartial, licensed health care provider.

• A written personal statement that explains the general medical condition and its impact on the student’s ability to perform academically. This statement must include the following:
  • An explanation of the medical condition and when it began
  • How the medical condition adversely affected attendance or participation in classes
  • Last date(s) of attendance/participation for each course
  • Steps taken to address the medical condition (such as seeking treatment, discussing concerns with instructors or advisors, using resources, etc.)
    
    
• Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider consists of a letter on clinic letterhead with the provider’s full name, credentials and signature, that explains:
  • The date of onset of illness, injury, or other condition
  • An explanation of the medical condition treated
  • Why the student’s medical condition will interfere or has already interfered with the student’s performance
  • The dates the student was or will be under professional care or receiving treatment
  • The potential health or clinical consequences if a medical withdrawal is not granted
    
    
• Students may also need to sign a release authorizing the healthcare provider to speak with the University to clarify any information presented in the documentation. Additionally, students may need to sign another release authorizing the University to share the documentation with University-employed or contracted healthcare providers for the purposes of consultation and interpretation.

Incomplete requests will not be reviewed or considered.  Students are responsible for confirming their submissions are complete at the time they deliver or send the request to the Medical Withdrawals Committee.

Step 3: The Medical Withdrawals Committee will review the request and may consult with professionals at the Nebraska Medicine – UNO Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), or the Care Team to determine whether the request should be granted.  Students may be asked to supply additional information if clarification is needed.

Step 4: If the request is approved, the student, the college of record, and the University Registrar will be notified, in writing, by the Medical Withdrawals Committee.  The Registrar will record the grade of ‘W’ on the student’s transcript or cancel enrollment depending on the decision of the appropriate University Official.  A Dean of Students registration hold will be placed on the student’s account to ensure they complete the request to return process outlined below.

• These requests are typically reviewed within five (5) University Days of the full submission being received and are typically finalized within ten (10) University Days. Review of requests may be delayed during times when the University is closed and during times when there is a high volume of requests, which generally occurs at the end of each term.

Step 5: Once the process is completed, work with your health care provider to identify a reasonable timeline for returning to the University.  The University may also assist in this process as needed through the dedicated medical withdrawals email. Once you, in consultation with your provider, are ready to return to the University, complete the Requesting to Return from a Medical Withdrawal – Option 1 below.

Requesting to Return from a Medical Withdrawal – Option 1

Students granted a medical withdrawal must request return to the University in accordance with the following sequence of procedures.

Step1: Contact the Medical Withdrawals Committee by emailing medicalwithdrawals@unomaha.edu and speak to a representative about your desire to return to the University.  Students should be aware of deadlines related to enrolling in classes and understand the registration for classes begins several weeks prior to the start of a new semester.  It is to their benefit to begin this process as soon as the student, in consultation with their provider, believes that they are ready to return to the University. 

Step 2: Complete the .  In completing the request form, students will submit supporting documentation, including a Personal Statement from the student and a Medical Provider Statement from an impartial, licensed health care provider.

• A written personal statement that explains the general medical condition and the plan for helping the student return to study successfully. This statement must include the following:
  • An explanation of your medical condition and when it began
  • Steps you have already taken to address the medical condition (such as seeking treatment, discussing concerns with instructors or advisors, using resources, etc.)
  • Steps you will take to address the medical condition upon return to UNO (such as seeking treatment, discussing concerns with instructors or advisors, using resources, etc.)

• Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider consists of a letter on clinic letterhead with the provider’s full name, credentials and signature, that explains:
  • The condition treated and duration of the provider’s relationship with the student
  • The effectiveness, success, and/or compliance with the treatment provided
  • Any recommendations for additional treatment, support, and/or accommodations and the extent to which they can be provided while the student is simultaneously enrolled at the University
  • A statement of professional opinion that the student is ready to return to University study
  • If applicable, a statement of professional opinion that the student is ready to return to on-campus living
• Students may also need to sign a release authorizing the healthcare provider to speak with the University to clarify any information presented in the documentation. Additionally, students may need to sign another release authorizing the University to share the documentation with University-employed or contracted healthcare providers for the purposes of consultation and interpretation.
• If additional information or further assessment is needed to determine a student’s readiness to return, the Medical Withdrawals Committee will work with the student to obtain the information or schedule an appointment for an assessment.

Incomplete requests will not be reviewed or considered.  Students are responsible for confirming their submissions are complete at the time they deliver or send the request to the Medical Withdrawals Committee.

Step 3: The Medical Withdrawals Committee will review the request and may consult with professionals at the Nebraska Medicine – UNO Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), or the Care Team to determine whether the request should be granted. 

Step 4: If the request to return is approved, the student will be notified in writing.  The Dean of Students registration hold on the student account will be removed.

• These requests are typically reviewed within five (5) University Days of the full submission being received and are typically finalized within ten (10) University Days. Review of requests may be delayed during times when the University is closed and during times when there is a high volume of requests, which generally occurs at the end of each term.

Step 5: Once the process is finalized, arrange a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss re-entry into your academic program, identify courses needed for enrollment, and address any impediments or barriers to successful completion.  Your academic advisor may consult with the Medical Withdrawals Committee to ensure your return is as seamless and successful as possible.

Requesting Medical Withdrawal & Return – Option 2

Students requesting medical withdrawal for a prior term while being currently enrolled in classes are required to submit documentation for the medical withdrawal request and return request at the same time in accordance with the following sequence of procedures 

Step 1: Contact the Medical Withdrawals Committee by emailing medicalwithdrawals@unomaha.edu to discuss the procedures for requesting medical withdrawal.

Step 2: Complete the request form for a medical withdrawal which is available online: .  In completing the request form, students will submit supporting documentation, including a Personal Statement from the student and a Medical Provider Statement from an impartial, licensed health care provider.

• A written personal statement that explains the general medical condition, its impact on the student’s ability to perform academically in the requested term for withdrawal, and the steps the student has taken and/or will continue to take to address the medical condition. This statement must include the following:
  • An explanation of the medical condition and when it began
  • How the medical condition adversely affected your attendance or participation in classes
  • Last date(s) or attendance/participation for each course
  • Steps taken to address the medical condition (such as seeking treatment, discussing concerns with instructors or advisors, utilizing resources, etc.)
  • Steps you will take to address the medical condition during your course of study at UNO (such as seeking treatment, discussing concerns with instructors or advisors, utilizing resources, etc.)
    
    
• Documentation from a licensed healthcare provider consists of a letter on clinic letterhead with the provider’s full name, credentials and signature, that explains:
  • The date of onset of illness, injury, or other condition
  • The condition treated and duration of the provider’s relationship with the student
  • Why the student’s medical condition interfered with the student’s performance during the term requested for withdrawal
  • The dates the student was or will be under professional care or receiving treatment
  • The effectiveness, success, and/or compliance with the treatment provided
  • Any recommendations for additional treatment, support, and/or accommodations and the extent to which they can be provided while the student is simultaneously enrolled at the University
  • A statement of professional opinion that the student is ready to return to University study
  • If applicable, a statement of professional opinion that the student is ready to return to on-campus living
• Students may also need to sign a release authorizing the healthcare provider to speak with the University to clarify any information presented in the documentation. Additionally, students may need to sign another release authorizing the University to share the documentation with University-employed or contracted healthcare providers for the purposes of consultation and interpretation.

Incomplete requests will not be reviewed or considered.  Students are responsible for confirming their submissions are complete at the time they deliver or send the request to the Medical Withdrawals Committee.

Step 3: The Medical Withdrawals Committee will review the request and may consult with professionals at the Nebraska Medicine – UNO Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), or the Care Team to determine whether the request should be granted.  Students may be asked to supply additional information if clarification is needed.  In determining whether the request should be granted, the Medical Withdrawals Committee will look at the information provided in its totality to make a determination in the best interest of the student.

Step 4: If the request is approved, the student, the college of record, and the University Registrar will be notified, in writing, by the University.  The Registrar will record the grade of ‘W’ on the student’s transcript or cancel enrollment depending on the decision of the appropriate University Official.

• These requests are typically reviewed within five (5) University Days of the full submission being received and are typically finalized within ten (10) University Days. Review of requests may be delayed during times when the University is closed and during times when there is a high volume of requests, which generally occurs at the end of each term.

Other Considerations

Students seeking to withdraw for medical reasons are often interested in doing so to recover some portion of the money they have invested in tuition and fees.  There are important considerations that the University evaluates before authorizing such financial relief.  This Other Considerations section is intended to help students understand those considerations so they can make fully informed decisions.

Academic Calendar Implications

Students should be aware of the Academic Calendar when considering withdrawing from courses.  Students who are pursuing a withdrawal prior to the last day to withdraw may withdraw themselves from courses via MavLink.

Federal Financial Aid and Scholarship Implications 

Students that receive loans or grants through the Federal Government may be required to return a portion of those funds depending on the last date they attended classes.

If the last date of class attendance occurs before sixty percent (60%) of the term has been completed, a student may be required to return a portion of loan and grant funds. How much the student must return is dependent on a federal formula and calculation that the Office of Financial Support & Scholarships must complete after ascertaining the last date a student attended class and confirming attendance.  Until this process is complete, there is no ability for the University to determine the exact amount that will need to be returned.  If students receive a tuition and fee refund, those funds may need to be returned to cover the loan and grant money that must be returned.

Students receiving scholarship funds will have their scholarship funds cancelled and will be required to have the scholarship reinstated prior to their return. Withdrawing for medical reasons is viewed favorably by the committee that reviews scholarship appeals.

University Housing Refunds 

University Housing Policy requires that individuals must be enrolled in classes to be eligible to live on campus. If a student is granted a medical withdrawal, they will also be granted a waiver of the housing cancellation fees.  Exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of the Dean of Students or their designee.

In some cases, a medical condition may warrant a waiver of the housing contract cancellation fees even if the student remains in classes. Request for a waiver of the housing contract cancellation fees due to a medical condition are referred to the Accessibility Services Center.

A student is eligible to cancel their housing contract at any time following the Housing Contract Cancellation Policy outlined in the student’s contract lease. Factors in determining if a waiver of the cancellation fees will be granted will follow the Tuition and fee refund considerations section of the Housing Contract Cancellation Policy.

Definitions

Non-Medical Withdrawal: Students submitting a non-medical withdrawal appeal must demonstrate extenuating circumstances (not including mental or physical health concerns) beyond the student’s control were in effect during the term in question.

Medical Withdrawal: Students submitting a medical withdrawal appeal must demonstrate how the student’s own mental or physical health concerns impacted their ability to be successful during the term in question.

Academic Amnesty: Academic Amnesty provides relief from a poor academic record acquired within the University of Nebraska system by excluding substandard coursework with a final grade of “D” or “F” from a student’s cumulative grade point average (GPA) calculation.  Academic Amnesty will not remove course(s) or grade(s) from the transcript but once granted, the course(s) or grade(s) will not count as part of the overall GPA.  Each college has established a policy and procedure for students who wish to declare Academic Amnesty for one or more semesters. Students should read the Academic Amnesty policy for their college or contact their Dean’s office.

Credit Received: Credit is considered received for a course when the grade results in a non-zero impact on a student’s GPA and the grade is considered within GPA calculations. All grades above a grade of F have a non-zero impact on GPA calculations.  See the UNO Grading Scale for more information.

SAP: Satisfactory Academic Progress is a metric defined by the federal government for federal financial aid programs. To determine if a student is meeting SAP, the University must consider overall GPA, pace of progression (total credits attempted versus total credits completed), and max time to completion of a degree (total credits attempted).

Term or Semester: In this policy, there are three terms or semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Additional Contacts

Forms

Related Information

Academic Calendar

Adding, Swapping, Dropping, or Withdrawing from Courses

History

April 14, 2025: Draft revision.  You may view the current campus ‘Medical Withdrawals’ policy here: /campus-policies/medical-withdrawals.php

September 2023: Addition of clarifying procedural language to indicate that “in rare exceptions, students may also have courses removed from their enrollment record."

September 2022: New policy approved.

August 12, 2025: The policy was updated to clarify the timeline of submissions, to provide additional information about eligibility, and to define terms that were previously not defined. The procedures for requesting a withdrawal were updated in this version with additional guidance provided.