2025-2026 Catalog > Academic Affairs > Leave of Absence and Withdrawal > Medical Leaves of Absence and College-Initiated Leaves of Absence

Medical Leaves of Absence and College-Initiated Leaves of Absence

To best serve the physical and mental health needs of students, Connecticut College provides health and counseling services. Some students, however, may have medical or psychological conditions that significantly limit their ability to function successfully or safely in their role on a residential college campus. The College recognizes a student may need to be away from campus and in such cases, a student may not be away from campus for more than two weeks (14 days) while classes are in session. If a student is away from campus for more than a week while classes are in session, the student needs to notify their class dean. As a residential campus, it is important for students to understand that they may not request remote instruction during the fall and spring semesters.

In cases where a student needs to be away from campus for more than 14 days while classes are in session, a student may request voluntary medical leave to allow them to receive treatment. In those cases where the College determines that a student poses a significant risk of harm to themself or to others and there are no reasonable accommodations by the College that will adequately mitigate the risk, the College may place a student on a College-initiated leave. The policy, available in the Student Handbook, outlines the individualized process to be followed for both voluntary medical leave and College-initiated leave.