Montana State University is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of individual students and the campus community. Occasionally, students may experience situations that significantly limit their ability to function successfully or safely in their role as students. In such circumstances, students may be eligible for a leave of absence or a retroactive withdrawal. There may be instances in which the University may pursue an involuntary leave of absence for a student, such as when knowledge about a student’s medical condition or the best available objective evidence indicates that a student poses a significant risk to the health or safety of others. 

Withdrawal Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Leave of Absence?

A leave of absence permits students to temporarily withdraw from the University and their studies of the current semester so they may address the issues that led to the need for leave.  

Leave Policy and Process

What is a Retroactive Withdrawal?

A retroactive withdrawal is for any previous semester and  may be available for students who were unable to request a timely leave of absence, but who were forced to leave the University due to a health or safety emergency, or who experienced a mental or physical illness, injury, or other extraordinary circumstance.

Retroactive Withdrawal Policy and Process

What is an Involuntary Leave of Absence?

An involuntary leave of absence may be considered or pursued in the event a students medical condition poses a significant risk to the health or safety of others; where a student is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations and poses a significant risk to their own safety; or where a student’s behavior severely disrupts the University environment and the student does not want to take a voluntary leave of absence. 

Involuntary Leave Policy and Process