The College has adopted a Medical Leave of Absence Policy, which includes provisions for both voluntary and mandatory medical leaves.  In certain circumstances where it is determined that a student’s physical or mental condition presents a direct threat of substantial harm to him or herself or others, the College, based upon the recommendation of the College Medical Director or the Director of Counseling or their designee, may impose a Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence.  The terms of the Leave of Absence and the Policy in its entirety, including the student’s right to appeal, will be provided to the student at the time any Mandatory Medical Leave of Absence is imposed.  Students may also request a copy of the Policy from the Office of the Dean of Students. 

Normally, before a student can be approved to return from a Voluntary Medical/Psychological Leave evidence must be presented no less than 30 days from the start of the new semester that all conditions for a return have been met.  Communication from the student's attending medical staff must be presented to the appropriate personnel at Colby's Health Center and (possibly) to the Dean of Students Office. Permission for re-enrollment will be granted only when the College is satisfied that all conditions for return have been met. In the case of a Mandatory Medical/Psychological Leave, conditions for return are established on a case-by-case basis, and the student must satisfy those conditions in full before a student will be approved for return.

Patients with eating disorders are managed by a health center team that includes a medical practitioner, counselor, and consulting nutritionist. If weight loss or eating behaviors constitute a threat to a student's health and well-being, a medical and psychological evaluation will occur by protocol. The protocol exists to help determine treatment recommendations and may be read, in full, on the Health Center Services Web site (www.colby.edu/health.serv) or be procured from a Health Services or Counseling Services staff member.