Medical Leave

At this difficult time in your life, it can be easy to overlook important details regarding school. The following is a checklist of items you should complete before you go. If you are unable to take care of some items, you may want to ask your family or a University official for help. If you have any questions, please contact us at englecenter@messiah.edu

• Complete a Medical Leave Request Form: This form must be completed before a medical leave can be approved.
  • Please make every effort to consult with the Director of Counseling (for mental health concerns) or the Medical Director (for physical concerns) before submitting this form.
  • An appointment with either Director can be made by calling 717-796-5357, or by emailing englecenter@messiah.edu.
  • When using the link, use Messiah University credentials to access your part of the e-signature form. The form will automatically be sent to the the Engle Center for review.
• Obtain and submit a Physician's/Provider's Letter: If you have not been treated at the Engle Center, you will need a letter from your provider to be forwarded to the Engle Center Director. The letter should state your:
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan
  • A physician's statement that you need a medical leave of absence from college to pursue treatment for your condition. Your provider can fax this information to the Engle Center at (717) 691-2344 or mail it to: Engle Center, Box 3028, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Once your medical leave has been approved, you will need to complete the following steps to arrange checkout:

• Residence Hall Room Key: If you live in University housing, please see your RD to arrange a check-out time. You must return your key to the Residence Life Office (Eisenhower 166) to avoid a $75 lost room key charge.
• ID: Return ID to Falcon Exchange in Eisenhower (beside the Lottie Nelson Dining Hall).
• Mailbox key: Please return your mailbox key to the Campus Post Office. Envelopes are available at the Campus Post Office service window for the return of mailbox keys. Be sure to fill out the information requested on the envelope and drop it through the campus mail slot. An unreturned key will result in a $25 charge being placed on your account.
• Student Financial Services: Please consult this office for information on how your medical leave will affect your billing and financial aid. Call (717) 691-6004 or email studentfinsvcs@messiah.edu

Medical leaves allow students up to two semesters of non-academic time away from campus. You may return when we have appropriate medical verification of your readiness to return.

Please follow this checklist of items needed prior to your return:

1. Release of Information Form: This form allows Engle Center health professionals to communicate with your medical professional. Please print out this form, complete it, sign it and give it to your provider. Your signature is necessary for the reciprocal sharing of confidential information. Note: Your provider(s) may also use their own release of information forms if they wish.
2. Completion of Provider Form: You medical provider must complete one of the following forms: 
   • Provider form for returning from medical leave due to physical health. 
   • Provider form for returning from medical leave due to mental health. 
   • Provider form for returning from medical leave due to recovering from/diagnosed with an eating disorder. 
3. Submit all Completed Forms: Email them englecenter@messiah.edu or upload to the Online Health Portal in the Document Upload tab.
4. Submit a Personal Statement of your readiness to return: Please include the following:
   • Factors that led to your medical leave
   • The treatment you received while out of school, including names of providers and dates you began/concluded care with each
   • A summary of your progress and why you believe you are ready to return
   • Plans for ensuring your success upon your return, including plans for continued care
   • The names and phone numbers of the providers you plan to see upon your return to Messiah
5. If you were hospitalized or went to the emergency room related to a condition for which you received medical leave, treatment records (progress notes and discharge summary) must be sent to the Engle Center

Deadlines for submitting these documents

Fall Term: August 1
Spring Term: December 1

The Engle Center, in consultation with your health care provider, will assess your readiness to return and arrange for necessary support if you return. The review and decision process may take up to two weeks.