Bryn Mawr College

Medical and Psychological Leaves of Absence

Sometimes, even with all the support in the world, a student may need to take time away from Bryn Mawr so that she can devote more time and energy to dealing with medical or emotional issues. A medical or psychological leave of absence is designed to give a student the time she needs to address the problems that have been interfering with her ability to thrive at Bryn Mawr, whether academically or socially.

 

Medical and psychological leaves will sometimes begin in the middle of the semester. Other times, a student will be able to get through an entire semester (or complete her work from home), but she will not be well enough to return. Whenever a student needs to withdraw in the middle of the semester, her transcript will include the courses in which she had been enrolled but will list a “WD” in place of a final grade.  A “WD” does not affect a student’s GPA, and it is not viewed as a “bad grade.”  It indicates that the  student was involved in a serious situation that was out of her control.

 

A student on medical or psychological leave must apply for permission to return to the College. The application process requires a student to answer a set of questions about why she left the College, what she has been doing since, why she thinks she is ready to return, and what her plan is for her return. A student must also gain the Bryn Mawr Health Center's approval. Applications for readmission are due June 1 for return in the fall and November 1 for return in the spring. Please note that psychological leaves of absence generally last one year. Students on leave may get an application for permission to return by emailing their dean or the dean's office..

 

It can be very difficult for friends when a student suddenly leaves campus. Because medical and psychological leaves involve confidential information, friends may feel frustrated and anxious about how little they are told about the situation. Students are encouraged to seek help dealing with these feelings.