Medical and Compassionate Withdrawal Request Procedures

Medical and Compassionate Withdrawal Request Procedures

A request for a documented medical/compassionate withdrawal requires specific and relevant professional documentation. Medical/compassionate withdrawals are typically considered on a semester or session basis, not on an individual course basis. Partial requests (those for only one course or some courses in a given semester/session) are seldom approved and require additional documentation that justifies the selective nature of the request. The decision is based on the specific circumstances and the professional documentation provided. Approval is made on a case by case basis and is made at the discretion of the college. The decision of the college is final.

To request a documented medical or compassionate withdrawal:

Step 1: Request form

Go to MyASU to confirm that New College is your home college. Complete the Medical/Compassionate Withdrawal Request Form.

• Request Form (Fillable PDF)
• Request Form (Word document)

Students receiving any Financial Aid (loans, scholarships, grants, etc.) are strongly encouraged to consult with a Student Financial Assistance counselor to determine any financial obligation before making the request. Students receiving VA benefits should consult the Pat Tillman Veterans Center prior to submitting the request.

Step 2: Personal Statement

Compose a brief personal statement describing the situation leading you to seek the withdrawal. The statement must explain specifically why and how the emergency circumstances prevented you from completing your assignments and participating in your classes during the requested semester or session.  You must also include the last date that you attended or participated in classes.

Step 3 : Required Documentation

Request/gather required professional documentation relevant to your situation. 

Medical Withdrawal Requests

For a documented medical withdrawal, an original letter from your attending medical or mental healthcare provider is required. The letter must be on letterhead, and must be sent directly from the provider to the New College medical designee(s). Medical letters/documentation submitted by the student will not be accepted. The letter must contain the following information:

• the date of onset of illness (in the requested semester)
• the dates of medical care (in the requested semester)
• the general nature of the diagnosis and why and how it prevented you from attending class or completing coursework 
• the date of your anticipated return to school
• the health care provider’s release to return to classes (if you are ready to return to classes)

It is strongly suggested that you share this email with your health care provider so they are aware of the necessary components of the letter. Requirements for the letter can also be found in the top left corner of the withdrawal request form.  Discharge documentation, office visit summaries, receipts, appointment cards, lab results, etc., will not be accepted as a substitute for the letter.

Compassionate Withdrawal Requests

For a documented compassionate withdrawal, required documentation varies according to circumstances, but must always be professional/official and validate relevant dates.

For compassionate withdrawal requests due to the passing of a close family member, a death certificate is required. Obituaries, funeral pamphlets, etc. are not accepted as a substitute for the death certificate.

For compassionate withdrawal request due to the emergency medical conditions of a loved one, a letter from the attending health care provider is required. The letter must be on letterhead, and must be sent directly from the provider to the New College medical designee(s). Medical letters/documentation submitted by the student will not be accepted. The letter must contain the following information:

• The relationship of the patient to the student
• The date of onset or worsening illness in the requested semester
• The dates of medical care in the requested semester
• The general nature of the diagnosis and what caregiving services/support were required by the student
• The date of anticipated medical release (i.e. For how long are/were caregiving services required?)

It is strongly suggested that you share this email with your loved one’s health care provider so they are aware of the necessary components of the letter. Discharge documentation, office visit summaries, receipts, appointment cards, lab results, etc., will not be accepted as a substitute for the letter.

Step 4: Submit Request

Submit the request form, personal statement and any supporting non-medical documentation to New College by one of the following methods:

Step 5: Submit Request-Medical Documentation

For medical documentation, please have your health care provider(s) send the supporting letter directly to New College by one of the following methods. Medical documentation will not be accepted from the student.

Please view the ASU Policy at https://students.asu.edu/forms/medical-compassionate-withdrawal-request. 

For questions regarding a documented medical/compassionate withdrawal, please email nc.mcw@asu.edu.