Separations from the College

Leave of Absence 

Students are eligible to take a leave of absence for a period of up to two consecutive years. The application for a leave must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Academic Services at least two weeks before the start of the semester in which the leave would begin, except in the event of an emergency that would preclude the giving of such advanced notice. All leaves will carry a specific expiration date. Students who wish to return early must inform the Office of Graduate Academic Services in writing at least four weeks before the desired date of return. Please note: degree time limits remain in effect during a leave. 

• One-Year and Two-Year MBA students must complete the first semester of core to be eligible for a leave of absence. 
• Blended Learning Miami students should contact the Office of Graduate Academic Services for appropriate guidelines for obtaining permission to take a leave of absence. 
• Requests for Leave of Absence for students in the MS programs are considered in rare circumstances on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Graduate Academic Services and, if approved, may require students to extend their program graduation date in order to meet degree requirements.
• Requests for Leave of absence in the Certificate in Advanced Management (CAM) are considered in rare circumstances on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Graduate Academic Services and may require students to extend their certificate completion date in order to meet program requirements. 

To be “reactivated,” the student must notify the Office of Graduate Academic Services in writing at least four weeks before the desired date of return. When a student wishes to return from leave, the Office of Graduate Academic Services will review the student’s record and notify the student of any changes to course requirements. For example, if a student fails to return after the maximum two-year, time limit the Office of Graduate Academic Services may rescind advanced-standing credit previously granted and/or any credit earned at Babson toward the MBA or MS degree. Students may be subject to any new policies instituted during their leave. 

Any student on leave who does not return on the specified date or is not registered for courses and is not on an approved leave of absence will be transferred to inactive status and administratively withdrawn. 

International Students 

International students in F-1/J-1 immigration status who withdraw, are suspended, or take a leave of absence will lose their permission to remain in the United States in F-1/J-1 immigration status (exceptions exist for documented medical conditions pre-approved by the Glavin Office). Any international student in F-1/J-1 immigration status who expects to separate from the College because of one of the above-mentioned events or who is considering taking less than a full course load must speak with an international student advisor in the Glavin Office about immigration implications and possible options before any action is taken.

Administrative Withdrawal 

Any student who has not enrolled in courses in a period of 12 months from the date of last enrollment (i.e. one calendar year from last completed course) and is not on an approved Leave of Absence will be administratively withdrawn from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business and must petition the Office of Graduate Academic Services in writing for readmission.

Military Activation 

In the event that a student who is a military reservist is called to active duty and is not able to complete an academic semester or module, they will be entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees and a prorated refund of room and board charges. 

Voluntary, College-Initiated, and Emergency Interim Medical Withdrawals

Purpose and intent: Babson College (“the College”) endeavors to provide a safe and healthy living and learning environment in which all qualified students can participate in the College’s programs and activities and successfully pursue their academic, personal, social, and emotional development. 

The College recognizes that students may experience medical issues which limit their ability to function safely or successfully as students. The College offers a variety of medical, academic, and administrative resources to assist and support students in such situations and makes reasonable accommodations to allow students with documented disabilities to have equal access to College programs and activities. 

When a student’s personal well-being may be at risk or when a student experiences a medical issue that may prevent the student from participating in the College’s programs and activities regardless of accommodation, the student is encouraged to consider a voluntary medical withdrawal from the College. Although students remain eligible to take other types of leaves in accordance with applicable College policies and procedures, a voluntary medical withdrawal may carry certain advantages, including more flexible withdrawal timelines, less disruption to scholarships and funding, and tuition/housing refunds as determined by appropriate College officials. 

When the College becomes aware of a student who is unable to safely participate in the College’s programs and activities regardless of accommodation or who presents a high probability of substantial harm to health or safety, the College may also consider the appropriateness of involuntary medical withdrawal from the College and/or emergency interim medical withdrawal according to the standards and procedures described in this Policy. 

Student conduct that violates the College’s Community Standards remains subject to the Student Conduct Process regardless of whether such conduct violation results from or is exacerbated by a medical condition. Actions taken pursuant to this Policy do not affect the student’s obligation to comply with other College policies or, where applicable, sanctions to which the student may be subject as a result of any violation of such policies. 

This Policy is designed to ensure that students are given individualized attention, support, care, and consideration in addressing medical issues that may arise or escalate during matriculation. The College will apply this Policy to all students in a nondiscriminatory manner using a flexible and individualized process to facilitate student success. Decision makers acting under the Policy will make determinations on the basis of objective evidence of student behavior and reasonable judgments based on professional assessments and current medical knowledge—not on the knowledge or belief that a student may be an individual with a disability. 

Whenever a College official is referenced in this Policy, such reference shall include another official designated to carry out such official’s duties in their absence or the person who otherwise assumes such duties.

Voluntary Medical Withdrawal (“VMW”) 

When a student’s personal well-being may be at risk, or when a student experiences a medical issue that may prevent them from participating in the College’s programs and activities regardless of accommodation, the student is encouraged to consider a VMW. The VMW process is designed to be reasonable and flexible, and to proceed as quickly as possible to allow a student experiencing difficulties due to a medical condition to receive the care, support, and treatment they need. 

Students wishing to initiate a VMW should contact the Director of Health Services and/or the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (each, an “Appropriate Health Service”). The Appropriate Health Service will meet with the student, if feasible, and review any medical documentation provided. The Appropriate Health Service will then submit a recommendation for a VMW if it determines that the student has a medical issue that prevents the student from participating in the College’s programs and activities regardless of accommodation, or otherwise compromises the student’s safety, well-being, or academic success. As appropriate, the Appropriate Health Service will make individualized treatment recommendations designed to help the student become academically and personally ready to resume life at the College with or without reasonable accommodation. 

The recommendation for a VMW and any relevant supporting documentation will be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Student Success (”AVP”) or designee for review. The AVP may consult with the Appropriate Health Service and others as appropriate in evaluating the recommendation and any relevant supporting documentation. Based on an individualized review of the facts and circumstances, the AVP will make a final determination as to whether and for what length the VMW will be granted, and will notify the student in writing. The student will also be notified of specific conditions, if any, that may be required in order to return to the College, based on the nature and individual circumstances of the VMW. 

A student may appeal the denial of a request for VMW in accordance with the Appeal Process set forth below. 

College-initiated Medical Withdrawal (“CIMW”) 

The College may initiate a medical withdrawal when it becomes aware of a student who is unable to safely participate in the College’s programs and activities or who presents a high probability of substantial harm to health or safety. 

The College may initiate a CIMW only under the limited circumstances and only in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Policy. CIMW may only be initiated: (i) after reasonable efforts to obtain student cooperation for a VMW have been attempted, if feasible; (ii) after other available interim measures have been deemed inappropriate, insufficient, or unsuccessful; and (iii) as a non-disciplinary action. 

In evaluating whether the College will initiate a medical withdrawal, the AVP will convene a medical withdrawal committee (“Committee”). The Committee will be composed of the AVP and one or more representatives from the Appropriate Health Service, along with other College officials with relevant knowledge and expertise who may have direct insight into the conduct or behavior of concern, such as representatives from the Department of Accessibility Services, Office of Graduate Academic Services and/or various departments within the division of Learner Success and Campus Life. 

The Committee will conduct an individualized assessment of the student’s present ability to safely participate in its programs and activities based on objective evidence and documentation. The individualized assessment will evaluate whether there is a high probability of substantial harm in light of: (i) the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; (ii) the probability that injury will occur; and (iii) whether reasonable accommodations can sufficiently mitigate the risk. The Committee will exercise reasonable judgments that rely on current medical information and documentation.

If the Committee determines that the student is unable to safely participate in the College’s programs and activities or presents a high probability of substantial harm to health or safety, it will submit a recommendation for a College-Initiated Medical Withdrawal (“CIMW”). The recommendation and any relevant supporting documentation will be submitted to the Vice President for Learner Success and Dean of Campus Life (“Vice President”) or designee (“AVP”) for review. As appropriate, the Appropriate Health Service will make individualized treatment recommendations designed to help the student become academically and personally ready to resume life at the College with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Upon receipt of a recommendation for a CIMW, the Vice President will carefully review the recommendation and any relevant supporting documentation. The Vice President may consult with the Appropriate Health Service and others as appropriate in evaluating the recommendation and any relevant supporting documentation. If, based on an individualized review of the facts and circumstances, the Vice President conditionally determines that a CIMW should be granted, the Vice President will notify the student in writing. The student will be afforded three business days to submit a written statement and any other documentation or materials relevant to the conditional CIMW and the student’s desired outcome before a final determination is made by the Vice President. If warranted under the circumstances, the Vice President may restrict the student from attending classes, living in college housing, or otherwise accessing campus property or participating in College activities during the conditional CIMW. 

Based on an individualized review of the facts and circumstances, the Vice President will make a final determination as to whether and for what length the CIMW will be implemented and will notify the student in writing. The student will also be notified of specific conditions, if any, that may be required in order to return to the College, based on the nature and individual circumstances of the CIMW. 

A student placed on CIMW may appeal in accordance with the Appeal process set forth below. 

Emergency Interim Medical Withdrawal (“EIMW”) 

The College may initiate an emergency interim medical withdrawal (“EIMW”) when it reasonably determines that a student presents an imminent risk of substantial harm to health or safety. The College may initiate an EIMW only under the limited circumstances and only in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Policy. An EIMW may only be initiated: (i) after reasonable efforts to obtain student cooperation for a VMW have been attempted, if feasible; (ii) after other available interim measures have been deemed inappropriate, insufficient, or unsuccessful; and (iii) as a non-disciplinary action. The Vice President may implement an EIMW after conducting an individualized assessment based on objective evidence and documentation. The individualized assessment will evaluate whether there is an imminent risk of substantial harm in light of: (i) the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; (ii) the probability that injury will occur; and (iii) whether reasonable accommodations can sufficiently mitigate the risk. The Vice President will consult with the Appropriate Health Service and others as appropriate, and will exercise reasonable judgments that rely on current medical information. Circumstances permitting, the Vice President will convene a Committee to assist in the individualized assessment. 

The duration of an EIMW will be limited to the period necessary to address the imminent risk of substantial harm to health or safety. While under EIMW, the student is prohibited from attending classes or living in College housing, and may be trespassed from campus or other College facilities and/or prohibited from participating in College activities if warranted under the circumstances. 

A student placed on EIMW will be notified in writing by the Vice President as soon as possible. The student will also be notified of the specific conditions that are required in order to return to the College, based on the nature and individual circumstances of the EIMW. A student placed on EIMW may appeal in accordance with the Appeal process set forth below.

The EIMW process is intended to address emergency situations on an interim basis. Where appropriate and in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Policy, an EIMW may be converted to a VMW or a CIMW. 

Return from Voluntary, College-initiated, or Emergency Interim Medical Withdrawal

 All conditions for returning to the College will be the same for VMW and CIMW. The conditions for returning to the College from an EIMW will be equivalent, except that relevant timelines will be adjusted to account for the interim nature of the withdrawal. 

The goal of a medical withdrawal is to ensure that students return with an increased opportunity for academic and personal success. Students are encouraged to take the time necessary to achieve this goal. Students may wish to periodically check in with the Associate Dean during their leave, as indefinite leaves will not be permitted. 

A student seeking to return to the College from a medical withdrawal should take the following steps to initiate the re-enrollment process: 

1. Contact the Appropriate Health Service and provide all required documentation. With the exception of students placed on EIMW, it is requested that students submit all material by December 1 for consideration for the Spring Semester, April 1 for summer sessions, and July 1 for Fall Semester. This will help to ensure that the AVP and the Appropriate Health Service have sufficient time to review the request and facilitate re-enrollment as appropriate. If materials are received after the relevant deadline, the College will make reasonable efforts to review the request in a timely manner. 
2. Have the student’s treatment provider(s) send a report to the Appropriate Health Service documenting the provider’s work with the student, the student’s clinical status, and an opinion as to the student’s readiness to safely and successfully resume academics and college life. The student’s treatment provider may also include any conditions or recommendations for ongoing treatment, or other suggestions to support the student’s academic and personal well-being upon returning to the College. The Appropriate Health Service relies heavily on information received from the student’s treatment provider. Students will be asked to provide Release of Information Forms so that representatives of the Appropriate Health Service may communicate with treatment providers and others as appropriate regarding the student’s return.
3. As required by the AVP depending upon the nature and individual circumstances of the medical withdrawal, provide information to the Appropriate Health Service showing that the student has reasonable capability of day-to-day functioning while a student at the College, with or without accommodation. There are several ways a student might be able to sufficiently demonstrate their day-to-day functioning, and the AVP will discuss appropriate options with the student upon request. 

D. As required by the AVP depending upon the nature and individual circumstances of the medical withdrawal, provide a brief written statement describing: (i) the student’s experience away from the College including the activities undertaken while away; (ii) the student’s current understanding of the factors that led to the medical withdrawal and any insights the student has gained from treatment and time away; and (iii) how the student plans to ensure a successful return to the College and to sustain their academic and personal well-being. 

Reasonable effort will be made to respond to a student’s request to return from a medical withdrawal within ten business days of receipt of all required materials. Additional time may be required based on extenuating circumstances. 

If the information received from a treatment provider requires further explanation or clarification, or when there is a disconnect between the medical information provided and other information in the student’sfile, the Appropriate Health Service may contact the treatment provider to obtain additional information. In exceptional cases as required by the AVP depending upon the nature and individual circumstances of the medical withdrawal, the student may be asked to obtain a second, independent evaluation from a licensed medical professional approved by the Appropriate Health Service. The purpose of the independent evaluation is to document the student’s clinical status and provide an opinion as to the student’s readiness to safely and successfully resume academics and college life. 

Upon receipt of all required materials, the AVP and the Appropriate Health Service, in consultation with others as appropriate, will determine if the student appears ready to resume academics and college life. If approved to return, the student will be required to check-in with the Appropriate Health Service to review the student’s current safety and plan for sustained health, including recommendations for ongoing treatment and/or other support services as appropriate. 

Students with disabilities are eligible for reasonable accommodations. Students are responsible for communicating any requests for accommodation to the Department of Accessibility Services (DAS). Detailed information on the process for requesting accommodations is available at the DAS website. 

The student will be approved to return to the College when the documentation demonstrates that the student is ready to safely resume studies and be a successful member of the campus community. If approved, the student will be notified in writing and informed of any applicable academic, housing, administrative, or other requirements for return. 

If the student is not approved for return from a medical withdrawal, the student will be notified in writing along with recommendations that will enhance the likelihood that a future request to return will be granted. The student may appeal the denial of their request to return from a medical withdrawal in accordance with the Appeal process set forth below. 

Appeals Process 

A student has a right to file a written appeal (“Appeal”) to the Vice President requesting review/reconsideration of: (i) the denial of a request for VMW; (ii) the denial of a request for return from a medical withdrawal; (iii) the implementation of a CIMW; or (iv) the implementation of an EIMW. The Appeal must be submitted to the Vice President within five business days of the date of the notice to the student. 

The basis for the Appeal are limited to the following: (i) material information or evidence not considered in the original determination; (ii) new information or evidence that was not available at the time of the original determination; and/or (iii) a material deviation from procedures that was prejudicial to the student and that affected the outcome of the original determination. Appeals made on other grounds will not be considered. 

As appropriate, the student should include relevant supporting documentation with the Appeal. The Vice President will carefully consider the Appeal and any supporting documentation and render a final decision based on the best available information and an individualized review of the facts and circumstances. 

A final decision on the Appeal of the implementation of an EIMW will be made within three business days of receipt. Final decisions on all other appeals will be made within ten business days of receipt, or the Vice President will notify the student that additional time will be necessary to consider the Appeal. The decision of the Vice President on the Appeal is final and not subject to further review.