Medical Withdrawal Frequently Asked Questions

• A student who takes a Medical Withdrawal during the semester will receive an adjustment to tuition on a per diem pro-ration (number of days enrolled divided by number of days in the semester) through 60 percent of the semester, less a $100 administrative fee. There is no refund of the student comprehensive fee.

• There is no refund for the room charges. Board charges will be refunded based on usage throughout the semester regardless of the reason for withdrawal/leave. The board adjustment is calculated beginning the day the residence hall room is totally vacated.

• A student who takes a Medical Withdrawal during a semester and is receiving financial aid will have a per diem pro-ration adjustment made to non-federal financial assistance. Federal law specifies how to determine the amount of federal assistance to be retained by a student who withdraws during a semester. The amount of federal assistance to be retained is determined on a per diem proration. If a student completes 30 percent of the semester, 30 percent of federal assistance is retained on the student's account. You can read more about Federal Title IV Awards Refunds here. For questions, contact the Office of Financial Aid, financialaid@depauw.edu.

• Students do not receive academic credit for a semester during which a Medical Withdrawal is recorded. Students taking a Medical Withdrawal, after week one, receive a grade of “W” for all enrolled courses. 

• The student is not eligible to pre-register within their registration window for the following semester. If the student is already enrolled in courses for the following semester prior to their withdrawal, their withdrawn status will forfeit their course registration. Students can register for the classes for the semester of return after they have been approved to do so through the readmission process.

• A student taking a Medical Withdrawal will need to vacate their on-campus residence within 48-hours of submitting their request form. Students who live in a Fraternity or Sorority should work with their housing corporation for their move-out timeline.

• The University does not provide storage.

• During the time of a medical withdrawal, students are not eligible to secure housing for the following semester. If housing is already selected, it will be forfeited.

• First, confirm that your documentation was received by calling the appropriate office: Counseling Services - 736-658-4265 or DePauw Health and Wellness - 765-658-4555

• The initial review process of medical documentation can take up to a week to complete. Once completed, Counseling Services and DePauw Health and Wellness will make a recommendation to the Medical Withdrawal Committee who will then review the submitted information.

• If your medical withdrawal is for mental health reasons: Once Counseling Services received the initial letter/documents from your provider, they will send them a form to complete to collect additional information. When you call Counseling Services to confirm they have received your documentation, they may ask you to reach out to your medical provider to encourage them to complete the form. Counseling Services cannot complete a full review until they have received it. 

Many students and their families are anxious to return to campus to continue their academic progress. However, returning when you are not ready can have an adverse affect on your ability to do well. Most students who take a medical withdrawal will need one or two full semesters away in order to receive appropriate care and to demonstrate a sustained period of stability before they return. We encourage students to complete this assessment, alone or with their families, to help them think through the transition back to DePauw.