Policy Statement and Purpose
Purpose
This policy applies to all Washington University students who are admitted to the hospital for treatment while enrolled in classes at the University, including admissions for physical and mental health-related concerns. The goal of this policy is to ensure that students have the ongoing care and support they need when they return to campus following their hospitalization. This policy does not apply to students enrolled through the School of Medicine or through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS).
Policy Statement
All currently enrolled students who are admitted to the hospital are required to notify the University by contacting deanofstudents@wustl.edu and to follow the Re-entry Approval Process described below before returning to campus. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the University of their hospitalization. The Dean of Students, or their designee, is responsible for overseeing the re-entry approval process for the University following a student’s hospitalization. The Dean of Students can be contacted at deanofstudents@wustl.edu.
Scope
Who is Covered
All currently enrolled Washington University students, excluding students enrolled through the School of Medicine or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS).
What is Covered
This policy covers circumstances in which a student is admitted to a hospital for inpatient care for treatment, including physical or mental health–related concerns.
Definitions
Dean of Students: A senior official within Student Affairs responsible for student well-being, conduct, and support services. In this policy, the Dean oversees the re-entry process after hospitalization, ensuring students have the guidance and resources needed to return to campus.
Designee: An individual authorized by the Dean of Students to carry out responsibilities outlined in this policy.
Hospital: For purposes of this policy, Hospital includes inpatient treatment programs.
Hospital Discharge Summary: The official document provided by the hospital at the time of discharge, summarizing diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for follow-up care.
Release of Information: A signed form authorizing communication between the University and the student’s treatment providers.
Policy
The University is committed to ensuring that students returning from hospitalization have the support, resources, and clearance needed to re-engage with academic and campus life safely. The following process outlines the steps required for a student to receive approval to return.
Re-entry Approval Process Following Hospitalization
To determine a student’s readiness to return to campus following a hospitalization, the following documents must be submitted as soon as possible to the Dean of Students or their designee, and no less than 12 hours post-discharge:
- Hospital discharge summary, which includes diagnosis, treatment provided at the hospital, and recommendations for future treatment.
- A signed “Release of Information” for any treatment providers that allows the treatment provider to speak with the Dean of Students or their designee.
This policy applies to both students who are planning to return to the University directly following their hospital discharge and to those who may be returning home to the care of their family with the intent of returning to the University at a future date.
The re-entry process will move forward once this documentation has been received and reviewed. Students who do not submit this information are not permitted to return to campus. Some students may be placed on temporary suspension from the University under the guidelines described in the Involuntary Leave Policy for Students. Students who submit incomplete information or for whom additional information is needed will be notified to schedule a meeting with the Dean of Students or their designee.
The ability of a student to return to the University and continue their academic program following admission to the hospital is only permitted by the Dean of Students or their designee via the process described above. The goal of the University is to provide support to students as quickly as possible and in a timely fashion. In some cases, students will be allowed to return to their campus housing while this process is taking place. However, students should not return to campus prior to receiving permission from the Dean of Students or their designee.
Related Information
References
Involuntary Leave Policy for Students
HIPAA and FERPA regulations
Forms/Resources
Medical Leave of Absence request email: studentmedleave@wustl.edu
Contact Information
Primary Contact/Office: Dean of Students
Email: deanofstudents@wustl.edu
Phone: 314-935-4526
Policy History
Original Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Prior Revisions: N/A