Enrolled students who become seriously ill can request a leave of absence for medical reasons. The request must be in writing and sent to the College Dean; however, prior to officially requesting a medical leave the student must contact the Office of the Dean to discuss how a leave will affect their progress in the academic program and to review options available to them. The amount of leave time depends on the severity of the illness. All medical leaves require documentation from a physician/specialist, including a diagnosis and a statement as to why the student cannot continue with the student's coursework. Additional documentation from the physician/specialist that the student is medically capable of returning to classes must be submitted to the College Dean at least one month prior to the end of the leave of absence period. Approval for the medical leave of absence, as well as the ability to return to classes, is reached by the College Dean after careful consideration is given to the supportive medical documentation and to personal and professional circumstances.