Medical Leave of Absence

The purpose of a voluntary medical leave of absence is to provide students with time away from campus for treatment of a physical or mental health condition that impairs a student’s ability to function safely and successfully as a member of the law school community. A voluntary MLOA is processed through the Student Services Office. Each leave is individualized based on the needs of the student and handled on a case-by-case basis.


Prior to completing the forms listed below, please meet with someone from Student Services to describe your circumstances and share your intention to take a leave or apply for reinstatement.

 

Initial Request Forms

Students can apply for an MLOA at any time, but for an MLOA to take effect during an ongoing semester, the MLOA application must be submitted before 5:00 PM Friday during the 10th week of classes in such semester. 

Chicago Counseling and Psychological Services Medical Leave of Absence Request Form

University Health Services Medical Leave of Absence Request Form

 
Reinstatement Request Forms

For a reinstatement to take effect during an ongoing semester, the reinstatement application must be submitted before 5:00 PM Friday during the 8th week of classes in such semester. 

Chicago Counseling and Psychological Services Medical Leave of Absence Reinstatement Form

University Health Services MLOA Reinstatement Form

 

Additional Information

  • For Registration assistance and planning, reach out to the Registrar at law-registrar@law.northwestern.edu.

  • For information regarding loan eligibility and funding and/or to discuss how to defer loans that go into repayment, reach out to the Chicago Office of Financial Aid at financial-aid-chicago@northwestern.edu.

  • During your medical leave, a registration hold will be placed on your account. This hold will be removed once you are reinstated.

  • Please note that your NetID may expire while you are on leave causing you to lose access; it will be reactivated once you are reinstated.

  • Contact your Career Adviser to discuss job opportunities and recruitment timing.

If you have questions related to a Medical Leave of Absence, please reach out to Candace Bergeron Lenard.