NOTE: for questions related specifically to undergraduate policy and process, please consult the undergraduate FAQ.
How many students take time away for medical reasons each year?
In a typical academic year, approximately 75 students out of over 6,500 students total take time away for medical reasons. Students take time away for a variety of reasons including injury, illness, and/or mental health concerns. It is rare, but in a handful of cases each year Dartmouth will strongly encourage a student to take time away for medical reasons if the student experiences a health challenge that cannot be addressed through the provision of reasonable accommodations, and that requires a level of care that exceeds what Dartmouth can appropriately provide.
Are most students able to return after taking time away for medical reasons?
Yes, most students can use their time away to regain their health sufficiently to return to active learning in an academic program at Dartmouth. Returning students are not expected to transition into their academic program without support—Dartmouth understands that certain health issues often require ongoing care and attention. Dartmouth will develop a plan with returning students to support their well-being and set them up for successful degree completion.
Does my transcript show I took time away for medical reasons?
No. Your transcript will reflect that you are not enrolled during your time away, but not that it was for medical reasons.
Can students retain access to their Dartmouth email account? If so, what can they access?
Yes, while on Time Away for Medical Reasons (TAMR), students will have access to their Dartmouth email account for two years. Your Dartmouth account allows you to access many resources, such as email, library resources, site-licensed software, and Uwill teletherapy.
While on TAMR, can a student use Alumni Gym?
Yes, while on TAMR, students will have access to Alumni Gym just as a member of the general public does. Students may purchase a pass to utilize the facilities under the alumni membership policy.
While on TAMR, can a student work on campus? What types of jobs are available?
We want to ensure that students on TAMR can take a full break from their studies, research, or other things that may be interfering with their healing. It will be important for students to talk with their advising dean before taking time away to discuss what will be best for them. The Student Employment Office handbook indicates that Dartmouth employment as a student employee is limited to those who are enrolled; however, if a student is feeling well enough and is legally eligible to work, they may apply for non-student jobs that are open to the public.
If a student had been doing research with a Dartmouth professor before going on TAMR, can they continue doing that research?
We want to ensure that students on TAMR can take a full break from their studies, research that will fulfill academic requirements, or other activities that may interfere with their healing. It will be important for students to talk with their advising dean before taking time away to discuss what will be best for them. Dartmouth will work with students to develop a plan for while they are taking time away. When students taking TAMR are approaching their target return date, occasionally they will engage in employment or other learning-related activities (such as research). In those circumstances, the student can contact their advising dean to discuss opportunities that the student has identified at Dartmouth. Please be aware that the way research is funded often determines the kinds of positions available and being on time away may preclude a student from participation based on the fact that they are taking time away.
Do students have access to Uwill teletherapy?
Yes. Access to Uwill requires a Dartmouth email account. As mentioned above, you will have access to your email account for the first two years you are on TAMR. Uwill teletherapy provides unlimited counseling sessions at no cost to students.
What will happen to my health insurance? I have the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP) insurance.
If a student takes TAMR and is already enrolled in the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP), the plan will stay in effect through August 31. A student taking TAMR who is already enrolled in DSGHP may renew the policy for up to one year, and one year only, beyond August 31, while on TAMR. If a student has questions and/or would like to discuss renewing their DSGHP policy, they should contact the DSGHP office 603-646-9438 or email dartmouth.student.health.plan@dartmouth.edu.
For undergraduate, graduate, or professional school students with financial need who are enrolled in DSGHP prior to taking time away for medical reasons, Dartmouth will pay for up to four quarters (i.e., the equivalent of one year) of DSGHP insurance coverage. For students who had dependents covered, that coverage will continue. Students seeking financial support will be asked to sign an attestation declaring financial hardship. Students will need to work with their advising dean to discuss this benefit until the Time Away Office is established in January 2024.
If you are covered under an insurance policy (e.g., your parents/guardian) other than DSGHP, we advise you to talk to your insurance agency about the terms of your health insurance coverage. Some carriers will not cover a dependent child over 18 years of age unless they are a full-time student. It will be important to discuss with the company to confirm your coverage if you take time away from Dartmouth.
If a student considering TAMR is concerned about their financial situation, can Dartmouth help?
Dartmouth wants to support students who prioritize their health and wellbeing and recognizes that some students taking TAMR may face financial challenges. Dartmouth will work to identify funds and support on a case-by-case basis with the input of the time away director.
Can an international student take TAMR?
Yes. The Office of Visa and Immigration Services is the resource for students who are learning about how taking time away from their studies impacts their immigration status, and their ability to remain in the United States.
Is a student ever required to take time away?
Requiring a student to take time away from Dartmouth for medical reasons is rare. On occasion, students may experience health conditions that cannot be addressed through the provision of reasonable accommodations and that require a level of care that exceeds what Dartmouth can appropriately provide. The advising dean may ask the student to be evaluated by a licensed clinician. This is truly a request; Dartmouth cannot force a student to be evaluated by a licensed clinician. Dartmouth encourages the student to provide to Dartmouth any information they believe will be relevant. Whenever possible, Dartmouth consults with the student and their family, and tries to meet with the student in person.
Dartmouth would only require a student to take time away for medical reasons after going through a very detailed process that is outlined in the policy in which Dartmouth will be required to hear the student’s perspective before making any determination, must document in writing the specific reasons for the decision to require a student to take time away, and must allow the student to appeal such a decision to a senior Dartmouth official.