Medical Leave or Withdrawal Request

Please click here to submit a request after reviewing the information below.

Medical Withdrawal (Domestic UG and Masters students):
Currently enrolled in classes but unable to complete the semester.

Medical Leave of Absence (PhD only)
Ph.D. students currently enrolled in classes but unable to complete the semester or anticipate a protracted absence from the university may request a leave of absence. Leaves are granted for up to one year and may be extended for a second year. Leaves of absence are not counted toward the time limit for which the degree must be completed.

Medical Leave of Absence (International UG and Masters students on a VISA)
A leave of absence is a temporary break from studies for one or more semesters, including the current semester, during which you may not be present in the United States due to medical reasons.

Request for Reduced Courseload (International UG and Masters students on a VISA)
Medical reasons warrant dropping below full-time, including the current semester, during which you may be present in the United States for care.

The request must include verifiable medical documentation justifying the withdrawal from a licensed healthcare provider that specifies the following:

• the date(s) of onset of illness or condition;
• the date(s) the student was under professional care;
• the general nature of the student’s medical condition and why/how it prevented them from completing their coursework;
• anticipated return date to NJIT

After completing the request form, the Office of the Dean of Students will schedule a time to discuss the conditions and procedures. 

In rare situations, a student’s medical needs and other factors may have prevented them from completing a medical withdrawal request on time. In these situations, the student must contact the Office of the Dean of Students to discuss. Do not submit a medical request online. 

Please note the following:

• Requests will not be reviewed without supporting documentation. Documentation from a U.S. based clinician is not required although all documentation must be submitted in English. 
• You will be withdrawn from all classes scheduled for the current term. 
• You are not permitted to live in university housing, attend classes, use campus research laboratories, or maintain employment as a student at the University during your leave.
• You cannot participate in campus activities, including clubs, sports, etc.
• While on leave, you cannot utilize NJIT Health Services by CityMD Urgent Care or the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services.
• You will retain the use of your NJIT email, but all other access will be removed.
• Room and board adjustments will be prorated based on using a meal plan and time spent in housing, if applicable. 
• A Dean of Students hold will be placed on your student account, preventing future registration. To remove the hold, students must meet with the Office of the Dean of Students to discuss their return by August 1 for a Fall return and December 1 for a Spring return. Ph.D. students must meet by June 15 for a Fall return and November 15 for a Spring return. 

Other considerations:

• Students requesting a medical withdrawal within the drop/add period must drop their courses via the Highlander Pipeline. Please refer to the academic calendar.
• Students requesting a medical withdrawal in week 8 of the semester and until the end of final exam week should consider working with the faculty to negotiate an incomplete grade (see INC policy) instead of a medical withdrawal, if appropriate. 
• International students attending NJIT holding an F1 or J1 visa should consult with the Office of Global Initiatives before requesting a medical leave of absence or reduced course load. 
• Students seeking medical leave or withdrawal due to pregnancy or related conditions are encouraged to contact the Title IX Coordinator before submitting a request.
• All students are encouraged to consult with the Office of the Bursar and Student Financial Aid Services regarding billing and financial aid. 
• Meet with your academic advisor to review your academic study plan and progression toward a degree.
• Domestic students approved for a medical withdrawal who cannot complete courses during the next regular semester (Fall/Spring) must “maintain registration” to avoid the need to reapply for admission. Students who intend to maintain registration must choose the subject MR--Maintaining registration and register for the appropriate section via Highlander Pipeline. Students with an outstanding balance who wish to maintain registration must email registrar@vbj4.com. International students on F-1 and J-1 visa status may not maintain registration unless they have obtained prior permission from the Office of Global Initiatives and the Office of Graduate Studies as appropriate.
   

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

A student who has been approved by the University for a leave of absence and who is enrolled in the student health insurance plan may be eligible to maintain coverage under the plan as follows:

A student who requires a leave of absence during any given semester who has paid the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) fee, and who has been enrolled in the plan for a minimum of 31 days before the first date of the beginning of the leave of absence, will maintain health insurance coverage under the SHIP for the academic year for which the fee was paid. 

If the student's leave begins before the 31st day of the policy start date, the student would not be deemed eligible for continued coverage. Therefore, the health insurance carrier could remove coverage and refund the premium paid, less any paid claims.

If the student was enrolled in the SHIP in the preceding academic year and has an approved leave of absence that begins mid-year and requires a continued leave into the following year, they may be eligible for continued coverage. The University would bill the student for the SHIP fee and be responsible for paying the cost through the University Bursar’s Office.

Ph.D. students

Ph.D. students who anticipate an extended absence from the University for medical reasons must consult with the Office of the Dean of Students. Leaves are granted for up to one year and may be extended for a second year. While leaves of absence are not counted toward the time limit for which the degree must be completed, rules regarding credit expiration will apply for coursework, MS projects, MS thesis, and doctoral dissertation research. 

Upon approval of a medical leave, the Office of Graduate Studies will notify the student’s advisor, instructors, and graduate program director that the student has been granted a medical leave. 

A Dean of Students hold will be placed on your student account, preventing future registration. To remove the hold, Ph.D. students must meet with the Office of the Dean of Students to discuss their return by June 15 for a Fall return and November 15 for a Spring return.