Student Medical Withdrawal

Students who need to withdraw after the University’s withdrawal period due to medical reasons (mental health, chronic illness, etc.) may request a medical withdrawal.

The student must complete the following through MyUWF to be considered for a medical withdrawal:

1. Search “Medical Withdrawal” in MyUWF.
2. Attach the following documents with your submission:
   
   1. A personal statement explaining the reason for your request.
   2. Documentation from a healthcare provider
   3. Documentation must be signed and dated on the health care provider's letterhead. Note that hospital bills, medical records, insurance papers and X-ray results are not acceptable forms of medical documentation.
   4. Documentation must include the diagnosis and prognosis related to the medical condition.

Please note: Medical concerns of family members will not be considered for medical withdrawal requests. For information on UWF's withdrawal policies and procedures, please visit the Registrar's webpage.

All medical documentation must include the diagnosis and prognosis related to the medical condition.

Students diagnosed with a chronic condition are encouraged to register with Student Accessibility Resources (sar@uwf.edu or 850.474.2387) for assistance.

Instructions for Medical Providers

Medical Withdrawals are generally approved for unforeseeable illnesses or injuries that have
interfered with the student’s ability to complete specific courses. Medical Withdrawals may be
approved for acute, severe illnesses or injuries that impact the student’s daily functions.

Chronic conditions typically do not qualify for a medical withdrawal unless there is an
unexpected change in the student’s medical status.

Instructions for Mental Health Providers

Medical Withdrawals for mental health conditions are generally approved for students whose
mental health condition has impacted their day to day functioning. Clinicians should provide a
summary of treatment to include history/onset of presenting problem and the level of symptom
severity.

Medical Withdrawals for mental health conditions must meet the following criteria:

• The condition warrants extensive (multiple sessions) of psychotherapy or psychiatric treatment
• The condition is severe enough to warrant inpatient hospitalization

Guidelines for Writing a Personal Statement

To support your request for a medical withdrawal, the Dean of Students Office asks that you submit a personal statement explaining how your medical or mental health concerns have impacted your academic performance.

There is no required length, but your statement should be clear, concise, and include the
following:

1. Term/Courses—Indicate the semester for which you are requesting a withdrawal, and list the courses affected. If you are seeking a partial withdrawal, please explain why only
   certain courses are included.
2. Reason for Request—Provide a summary of the medical or mental health concern that
   led to your request. While a detailed medical history is not necessary, please include
   enough context to help us understand how your condition impacted your academic
   engagement (e.g., attendance, ability to complete coursework).
3. Timeline—Include when the issue began and how long it affected your ability to
   participate in your courses.
4. Steps Taken—Describe any steps you took to address the situation, such as seeking
   medical care, notifying instructors, or utilizing campus support services.
5. Next Steps—Share whether your condition is currently being treated or managed, and if
   applicable, your plans for returning to your studies.

• Students receiving financial aid benefits should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and/or the Military & Veterans Resource Center prior to completing a medical withdrawal.
• Requests for prior semester withdrawals must be submitted within six (6) months of the end of the semester for which the withdrawal is being requested.
• The medical withdrawal process does not address refunds. If your medical withdrawal is approved, and you would like to request a refund of tuition and fees, please follow the University's Fee Appeal Process. Refunds will generally not be considered for withdrawals after the semester has ended.
• Once your medical withdrawal has been reviewed, you will receive an email regarding the status of your request.