Frequently Asked Questions

• A MLOA allows a student to obtain the care and support that they need to return to their studies when they are ready.
• While on MLOA, a staff member from Student Outreach and Support (“SOS”) may check in with students periodically to discuss their progress and prepare for a safe and healthy return.
• A MLOA may allow a student to initiate a leave of absence and withdraw from classes later in the semester than is normally permitted for personal leaves of absence.
• For students with tuition reimbursement insurance, a MLOA generally qualifies a student for benefits under tuition insurance plans they may carry.  Please be sure to check the insurance policy to confirm coverage.

All undergraduate and graduate students, including students at the Georgetown University Qatar campus.

This process does not apply to Georgetown Law or Medical students who should refer to the applicable Student Handbook for guidance.

Thank you for supporting your student! Please contact us via email (dosstudentaffairs@georgetown.edu), and we will schedule a time to speak with you to answer any questions and review the options.  Generally, your student will need to consent to the University speaking with you to request a MLOA on their behalf.

1. Obtain supporting documentation from your healthcare provider
2. Complete the MLOA Request form
3. Meet with the Dean of Students/Student Outreach and Support
4. Work with other offices as needed

For additional information please see the MLOA Flow Chart and the MLOA Checklist

The basic steps to request reinstatement from a MLOA are:

1. Obtain supporting documentation from your healthcare provider
2. Complete the Notice of Intent to Be Reinstated with On-Campus Housing (as needed) by the deadline
3. Complete the MLOA Reinstatement form by the deadline
4. Meet with the Dean of Students/Student Outreach and Support
5. Work with other offices as needed

For additional information please see the MLOA Flow Chart and the MLOA Checklist

If you need accommodations in order to request a MLOA, please contact the Academic Resource Center

As part of the process for applying for an MLOA, your healthcare provider will be asked to provide their recommendation for an estimated return date. The steps you need to take to prepare to return will be provided to you by the Dean of Students in the MLOA Terms in your MLOA Decision Form.  When you have completed those steps and your healthcare provider determines you are ready to return, you can apply for reinstatement.  This recommendation will be reviewed by the Dean of Students, who will convene an MLOA Committee including your undergraduate advising dean or appropriate academic administrator designated by your School and other University staff, as needed, to determine when a return would be appropriate.

• Fall semester – June 30
• Spring semester – November 1
• Summer semester – April 1

You may appeal the determination of a denial of a MLOA by submitting an appeal letter in writing to the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee within ten (10) business days of receiving notice of the determination.  Please review the full MLOA Policy which outlines the steps that you can take to appeal a denial.

The documentation should come from your treating healthcare provider, which may include the University’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (“CAPS”) or the Student Health Center, or another healthcare provider on- or off-campus. This healthcare provider cannot be related to you by blood or by marriage. 

A Release of Information (ROI) is a document that allows you to designate specific people or offices who are allowed to receive confidential medical information from your healthcare providers and/or speak with your healthcare providers. 

Without an ROI, your healthcare provider may not agree to complete the necessary forms or provide a recommendation and will not be able to speak with us as may be needed during the MLOA process. When signing an ROI, you can designate who has access to your documentation, and you can revoke the authorization at any time.

Medical documentation will be stored in our secure case management system, Maxient. Direct access to these files are limited to the Dean of Students and Student Outreach and Support. Information regarding the impact of taking a MLOA may be discussed with the members of the MLOA Committee.  Discussion of medical documentation is limited to the Dean of Students, Student Outreach and Support, or University medical providers, such as CAPS or Student Health, subject to your signing a Release of Information.If you have any concerns about specific individuals having access to your documentation, please contact us at dosstudentaffairs@georgetown.edu.

Matters of academic policy are the purview of the school in which you are enrolled. 

If you are facing academic probation, you are eligible to take a MLOA, however, you will remain on academic probation when you are reinstated to the university.

If you are facing academic suspension or dismissal, taking a MLOA does not impact the review process of your academic standing.

Generally, the Community Standards Process will continue to proceed, regardless of a student taking a MLOA, however, students may request for their case to be paused. The request will be reviewed by the Office of Student Conduct before making a final determination. The University reserves the right to continue the Community Standards Process before granting reinstatement.  If you have questions, you should reach out to the Office of Student Conduct: studentconduct@georgetown.edu.

The Title IX process may continue while a student is on a MLOA. However, a student may request for their case to be paused if the student’s health impedes their ability to fully participate in the Title IX process.

Once a MLOA is granted, a student is required to move out of the Residence Hall.  Unfortunately, there is no space to leave your belongings in your Residence Hall while on MLOA. If you are unable to retrieve your belongings, you can designate someone (family member or loved one) to pack and remove your things.  Residential Living can also advise you on local storage options.

If you are an undergraduate student who has not completed your three year residency requirement prior to taking your MLOA, then you will be required to live on campus.  Housing accommodations are available through the Academic Resource Center for qualifying students with disabilities.

A student who is seeking reinstatement and seeks on-campus housing must send a Notice of Intent to Be Reinstated with On-Campus Housing Form no later than:

• Fall semester – May 31
• Spring semester – November 1 
• Summer semester – April 1

This does not take the place of a housing application, the housing selection process, or requesting housing accommodations. In addition, you will need to apply for reinstatement by the deadline.

A tuition refund may be available for students who take an MLOA, depending on several factors such as financial aid, and the effective date of your MLOA. You should reach out to the Office of Student Financial Services and if you are a financial aid, scholarship, or grant recipient, you should also speak with your Financial Aid Student Counselor for more specific information.  Graduate students with federal grants, private grants, or other non-institutional funding sources should discuss the impact of a MLOA with the Joint Office of Research Administration.

There are many different types of scholarships/grants/financial aid available to GU students, all with different requirements. Please connect with your Financial Aid Student Counselor who will be able to review the specifics of your financial aid package and the implications of taking an MLOA.

If you are a GSP student, you should also contact gsphoyas@georgetown.edu to discuss how they can support you.

Requesting accommodations after returning from a MLOA follows the same process for requesting accommodations at any other time as a student.  

If you had accommodations prior to your MLOA it may be necessary to provide additional documentation if you need to make updates to your previously existing accommodations.
All documentation requirements and important dates can be found on the ARC Website.

The impact of an MLOA may depend on several factors, such as the type of visa you have, when you plan to take the MLOA, and whether you will be leaving the country or petitioning for an exemption to stay in the U.S.  The best option for making sure you have all of the necessary information regarding the impact on your visa status is to contact your International Advisor prior to finalizing your MLOA.

Students may be eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Premier Plan depending on prior coverage. Details can be found here and you can reach out with any questions via email: shi@georgetown.edu.