Health Leave of Absence & Return Policy

As a mission-driven institution that “equips students to think deeply, to act justly, and to act wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world,” Calvin University places a high value on the physical and mental health of all students. Cultivating a safe and supportive environment for the university community is a priority. On occasions when a student’s health needs interfere with their ability to continue academic studies at Calvin University in a safe and successful manner, the goal of the university is to support the student in addressing those needs and returning to complete their studies.

Students are encouraged to prioritize their health and safety and take steps toward recovery, even if academic progress must be delayed.

Quick Guide

Going on Health Leave?

A student seeking a Health Leave from Calvin can initiate that as follows:

1. Complete a Request to Leave form (see Student Forms below).
2. If you are being seen by medical or mental health providers for assessment and/or treatment, ask that they complete a Provider Request to Leave form (see Provider Forms below) — this will help support effective treatment planning for your time away. You may need to sign a consent form with their office so they can share information.
3. Set up a meeting with the Dean of Students office (deanofstudents@calvin.edu) to collaboratively create a Health Leave Plan for your time away. A Leave Coordinator will be assigned to help navigate the process.

Returning from Health Leave?

A student seeking return to Calvin after a Health Leave can initiate that as follows:

1. Complete a Request to Return form (see Student Forms below) at least two months prior to the beginning of the semester.
2. If you are being seen by medical or mental health providers for assessment and/or treatment, ask that they complete a Provider Request to Return form (see Provider Forms below) — this will help support your success (including treatment planning) as you plan for return to university life. You may need to sign a consent form with their office so they can share information.
3. Set up a meeting with the Dean of Students office (deanofstudents@calvin.edu) to collaboratively create a Health Support Plan for your return.
4. Once you receive approval from the Dean of Students office, you will be eligible to register for classes in collaboration with your Leave Coordinator. If you have been away for more than one semester, complete the brief readmission application for previously admitted students through the Admissions Department.

Your provider(s) can help support success! Both at the time of leaving and returning from Health Leave, a student may be asked to obtain input (such as treatment recommendations) from their medical/mental health provider(s) to support effective planning. Students can ask provider(s) to complete the provider forms online (see Provider Forms section), making sure to provide authorization to the provider(s) for communicating with Calvin.

Student Forms

Request to Leave: submit online (Calvin login required) | download Word doc
completed by student to initiate Health Leave

Request to Return: submit online (Calvin login required) | download Word doc
completed by student to initiate request to return from Health Leave

Authorization to Release Information: downloadable PDF
provides consent for your provider to exchange information with Calvin University (optional)

Provider Forms

Request to Leave: submit online | download Word doc
completed by medical and/or mental health provider (at student’s request) to provide assessment/treatment information related to student’s request for Health Leave

Request to Return: submit online | download Word doc
completed by medical and/or mental health provider (at student’s request) to provide assessment/treatment information related to student’s request to return from Health Leave

Planning Templates

Health Leave Plan Template: submit online | download Word doc
completed collaboratively by student and Dean of Students (or designated representative) as preparation to begin Health Leave

Health Support Plan Template: submit online | download Word doc
completed collaboratively by student and Dean of Students (or designated representative) as preparation to return from Health Leave

Resources

Guides for students taking a Health Leave

These guides provide useful guidance for university students who seek to get the most out of their time on Health Leave.

• Taking a Leave of Absence: A Guide for College Students
• Taking a Leave of Absence: What You Need to Know
• Taking a College Medical Leave

Leave of Absence study/support programs

For students taking a Health Leave related to mental health, these programs provide a structured experience to help strengthen wellbeing and increase preparedness for the rigors of university life.

• Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation (Boston, MA)
• Fountain House College Re—entry (New York City)
• McLean College Mental Health Program (Belmont, MA)

Calvin offices & departments

In addition to the Leave Coordinator assigned to students for Health Leave, staff in these cross—divisional departments at Calvin can support students in decision—making and also logistical planning for leaving or returning.

• Athletic Department — confirm athletic eligibility upon return from Health Leave if applicable
• Center for Counseling and Wellness – clarify treatment recommendations, arrange for transfer of care if applicable, etc.
• Office of Student Support, Accountability, and Restoration – check status of any open cases or disciplinary proceedings, if applicable
• Center for Student Success (including the Registrar & Disability Services) - cancel course registration, determine tuition refund eligibility, update contact information, view/resolve holds, verify academic standing, discuss anticipated disability accommodations upon return from leave if applicable, discuss impact on veteran/ROTC benefits, etc.
• Financial Aid Office – discuss effects of Health Leave on financial status and scholarships, check/reconcile account balance, arrange payment plan, etc.
• Health Services – check status of student health insurance, arrange for transfer of care if applicable, etc.
• Hekman Library – return any outstanding book or other library materials
• International Admissions – meet with immigration coordinator to discuss visa status (international students only)
• Major Department/Academic Advisor- meet with advisor to inform of Health Leave, discuss remaining degree requirements, etc.
• Residence Life - cancel housing contract, arrange for move-out, return student ID card, cancel meal plan, etc.
• Safer Spaces – check status of any open cases, if applicable
• Student Employment (and/or internship supervisor) – notify of departure from position for Health Leave

Full Policy

View the full Health Leave of Absence and Return Policy