The University requires all students to be able to safely participate in University programs, activities, or campus living. The University may require a student to complete a Medical Clearance process when observed behaviors provide an objective basis to conclude that the student’s health condition may impair their ability to safely participate in University programs, activities, or campus living. Additionally, if the condition may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the student or campus community, the University may engage the medical clearance process. Students enrolled in online or virtual programs may not need to undergo a medical clearance process. Students enrolled in an online or virtual program will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Conditions for Medical Clearance Requirement

A Medical Clearance evaluation may be required when a student meets one or more of the following:

• The student has been hospitalized for a significant medical condition or procedure;
• The student has received inpatient or intensive treatment for a mental health condition;
• The student has made suicide threats or engaged in a suicide attempt;
• The student appears to be in an unmanaged mental or medical state;
• The University has objective evidence that the student’s condition may impair their ability to safely or effectively participate in university-related programs and activities, academic, clinical, practicum, or residential settings;
• The student’s observed behavior indicates a potential risk to community safety, based on available objective evidence;
• The student is enrolled in a program with clinical, internship, or practicum requirements, and their condition may affect their ability to meet essential program requirements or safety standards;
• The student is seeking to return to University housing, coursework, or University-affiliated programming following a significant health-related absence.

If a student is working with an off-campus entity as a part of their educational requirements, that entity may require its own documentation related to readiness to return. 

Student Consent and Compliance
If a healthcare provider recommends conditions or ongoing treatment as part of the student’s return, the student may be required to acknowledge and agree to comply with those recommendations as a condition of continued participation at the University. 

When appropriate, the University may request that the student provide a signed authorization to allow limited communication with the treating provider for the purpose of verifying compliance with recommended conditions.

Medical Documentation and Records
Medical documentation for these purposes is subject to FERPA and will be stored in either health or counseling services. It will be shared only with those who have a legitimate educational interest or need to know for purposes of evaluating the safety of the community and the individual. 

Determination and Return to Participation
Decisions regarding a student’s return to coursework, housing, or University programs will be based on the Student Re-entry Committee's individualized assessment of the medical documentation, the student’s circumstances, and the essential requirements of the relevant program or activity. The University will consider whether reasonable accommodations can adequately mitigate identified risks.