Medical Exceptions

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What is a medical exception?

Students facing significant health and medical issues that prevent them from engaging in coursework may be eligible for a medical exception. The condition must be documented by a licensed health care professional during the semester the exception is being requested. If approved, a medical exception grants 100% tuition and fee cancellation for the course(s) indicated. Courses are not displayed on the transcript once approved, but credit hours will be counted as attempted hours. Attempted hours are credit hours a student registered but did not drop.

What is the deadline for applying for a medical exception?

Applications will be accepted up to 60 calendar days after the end of the term as posted on the Academic and Registration calendar. If that falls on a weekend or a day the university is closed, the deadline will be extended until the next business day. In extenuating circumstances, the Office of the Registrar may be able to grant exceptions to the deadline.

What else should be considered before applying for a Medical Exception?

• Medical exceptions only address tuition and fees. A medical exception is for medical conditions that apply to the student. If an exception is required due to a family member’s medical condition, email esp@wayne.edu to request an Exception to Enrollment Policy form.
• Students living in campus housing are also responsible for contacting Housing regarding changes to enrollment as a medical exception may not impact their housing contract. Contact the Office of Housing and Residential Life at (313) 577-2116 or email at housing@wayne.edu
• If a student is receiving financial aid and the request is approved, their award may be adjusted. For more information, consult the Student Service Center staff at (313) 577-2100 or studentservice@wayne.edu.
• Before resuming classes, students should schedule an appointment with their major/program advisor for assistance with course selection and resuming progress towards their degree.
• In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students may authorize specific other people or entities to have access to their education records and advocate on their behalf by filing an Authorization to Release Academic Records form (AccessID and password required).

Review Process

1. Each request requires support from a health care provider. In addition, we may require other clarifying information from a student, and the file will not be reviewed by the exceptions committee until everything the Office needs is returned.
2. The Medical Exception Committee will review the request and supporting documentation.
3. The Committee will make a decision regarding the exception request and will inform the student of the decision in writing within 30 days of the Office of the Registrar receiving a complete file from the student.

Tuition Refund and Grade Removal

1. If a student's request for medical exception is granted, 100% tuition refund is given.
2. The grade or W mark will be removed from the transcript for any course where a medical exceptionis granted.
3. Federal regulations require the review of all attempted coursework when determining student eligibility for continuing financial aid. The medical exception may have an impact financial aid. For this reason, while a course will not be displayed on a student’s transcript, the hours will still be reflected in attempted hours.

Confidentiality

All medical information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Appeals

Any student dissatisfied with the outcome of the medical exception request process may appeal the decision to the Tuition and Fee Appeals Board.

Instructions for Students

Step 1: Withdraw from class(es)

To ensure proper consideration for a medical withdrawal, you are advised to withdraw from the classes prior to the deadline as posted on the Academic and Registration calendar (end of the 10^th week for full-term courses). While a request is under review tuition payments should be made as scheduled.

W marks do not affect grade point averages. Submit a withdrawal for the course(s) through Academica. Instructions on how to withdraw from a course are available online at wayne.edu/registrar/withdrawals

If applying after the withdrawal deadline, you will not be able to submit a withdrawal request. Complete the forms and we will process a withdrawal for you.

Step 2: Complete the Student Information form

In your statement, provide a timeline of what has occurred.

Step 3: Contact your health care provider to complete the Medical Documentation form.

Pages 4 and 5 of the application are for your Health Care Provider. Complete your name and WSU ID/AccessID at the top of the Medical Documentation form and sign the Student Certification and Release of Student Information statement. The completed form should be returned to you to complete your application.

Step 4: Submit completed application

Your application must include both forms. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Medical Exception policy effective Fall 2024; last updated 11/4/2024