• Seton Hall University
• Department of Student Life

When a student becomes too ill to successfully complete an academic semester, Seton Hall University seeks to support the student in prioritizing their health so they may continue their education in the future. For this reason, the University offers a Medical Withdrawal process.

Students are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students with any questions or for assistance throughout the process.
Phone: 973-761-9076
Email: deanofstudents@shu.edu 

A medical withdrawal is an administrative process intended to support students who are temporarily unable to complete academic requirements due to health-related circumstances. This process is separate from disability accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students who are experiencing health-related challenges may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations and are encouraged to consult with Disability Support Services to explore available options. Approved accommodations are not retroactive. Requesting accommodations does not prevent a student from later pursuing a medical withdrawal if needed.

How to request a Medical Withdrawal

Step 1: Complete the Request for Withdrawal Form

• “I wish to withdraw as of” – Enter the date you are completing the form.
• “Last date of attendance” – Enter the last day you attended any class. If you are unsure, leave this field blank; the Registrar will confirm the date with your instructors.
• “Type of Withdrawal” – Select Temporary if you plan to return to Seton Hall and indicate the semester you intend to return. If unsure, enter TBD (to be determined).
• “Reason for Withdrawal” – Select Medical
• You do not need signatures from the Academic Dean or the Registrar. The Dean of Students will coordinate notifications to these offices.
• Submit the completed form to the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@shu.edu.

Step 2: Submit Medical Documentation

• Documentation from a current medical provider should indicate that, due to a health-related condition, the student is unable to complete the academic semester and that a medical withdrawal is recommended.
• Documentation must be sent directly to the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@shu.edu.
• Medical documentation is treated as confidential and shared only with University officials who have a legitimate educational interest in administering the medical withdrawal or return process.

Important: A medical withdrawal request will be processed only after both the completed withdrawal form and medical documentation are received by the Dean of Students Office.

Step 3: Laptop Return (If Applicable)

• Students who have completed fewer than four semesters at the University must return their University-issued laptop.
• A replacement laptop will be provided upon return to the University.

Laptop return options:

• In person: Corrigan Hall, Lower Level
• By mail:
  Seton Hall University
  400 South Orange Ave.
  South Orange, NJ 07079
  Attn: Asset Management Office, Corrigan Hall, Room 27

Mailed packages should be insured for $1,200 (approximately $15–$20 for insurance).

Additional Important Information

Calculating the Final Bill
Once the withdrawal form and medical documentation are received:

• The Registrar will confirm the student’s last date of class attendance with instructors.
• This date is provided to the Bursar, who will recalculate charges and credits for the semester.
• If Federal Aid is received, the Financial Aid Office will determine how much Federal aid has been earned before withdrawing. Unearned Federal aid must be returned to the Dept of Education.
• Institutional Aid will be prorated based on the % of Tuition reduced.
• A revised bill or refund statement will be generated.

Students should allow approximately two weeks for this process and then contact the Bursar at bursar@shu.edu to request an updated account statement.

Seton Hall University Institutional Aid
To support students who withdraw for medical reasons, Seton Hall University allows students to retain their University-awarded institutional scholarship under the same conditions in place at the time of withdrawal when they return to the University.
Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@shu.edu.

PirateNet and Seton Hall Email Access
Once a medical withdrawal is processed, students will lose access to PirateNet and their Seton Hall University email account, as these systems are tied to enrollment status.
Access will be restored once the student returns and their account is reactivated.

Deadline
The deadline to submit a Request for Medical Withdrawal is the last day of the semester, as published in the Academic Calendar.
Both the completed withdrawal form and medical documentation must be received by the Dean of Students Office by this date.

Important Consideration
A medical withdrawal is a voluntary option. Students are encouraged to consider all available academic and support options, including reasonable accommodations, before deciding whether to pursue a medical withdrawal.

The purpose of a medical withdrawal or medical leave of absence is to allow adequate time for the student to focus on their health. Depending on the timing of the withdrawal and the nature of the medical condition, a student may need to delay their return for one semester or longer.

Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence

Students are encouraged to remain in contact with the Dean of Students throughout their leave.
To return to the University:

• Ask current medical provider to submit a letter to the Dean of Students stating their recommendation that the student can resume academic coursework, with any relevant recommendations or limitations for consideration.
• After reviewing the documentation, the Dean of Students will request that the Registrar remove the medical hold.
• Resolve any remaining holds (e.g., Bursar, Health Services, Academic).
• Once all holds are cleared, contact your Academic Advisor to obtain your registration PIN and register for classes.
• Contact PC Support Services to request a laptop, if needed.

If a medical withdrawal or leave of absence extends for two full semesters or more, the student must also complete an Application for Readmission, available online.

The Dean of Students Office will continue to support students throughout their return and connect them with appropriate campus resources.