At Beaver, the well-being of our students is a top priority. We recognize that mental health is an important aspect of overall health and well-being and that sometimes students may need to take a Leave of Absence for mental health reasons. If a student is experiencing medical or mental health challenges that are impacting their academic performance, social relationships, or overall well-being, they may request a leave of absence to focus on their physical or mental health.
Students and families should speak with the Director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness to discuss whether a leave of absence may be appropriate; whether certain accommodations or other steps might obviate the need for leave; the nature of the potential leave (for example, whether it would be a full leave of absence or a partial leave during which the student remains involved with some academic work); the process for requesting permission to return from leave; the conditions that may apply to any return from leave; and other issues.
Requests for permission to take a voluntary Leave of Absence ordinarily will be granted, but approval by the School is required. Requests for leave, and any conditions or accommodations that may apply to the leave or to return from leave, will be determined by the Director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness and the Division Director as applicable, in consultation with others as appropriate, and subject to review by the Head of School.
Although a Leave of Absence for mental health reasons typically will be voluntary, the School may impose a mandatory mental health leave in appropriate circumstances. See the following examples:
The student presents a serious risk of harm to self or others
The student has materially disrupted the educational or other experiences of others in the School community
The student is unable (including with reasonable accommodations) to successfully participate in academic and other aspects of life at the School
The student (or their family) has refused to cooperate with efforts the School deems necessary to make any such determinations.
Whether to impose a mandatory Leave of Absence, and any conditions or accommodations that may apply to the leave or to return from leave, will be determined by the Director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness and the Division Director as applicable, in consultation with others as appropriate, inviting and taking into account information from the student, their family and outside clinicians, and subject to review by the Head of School.
Whether the leave is voluntary or involuntary, the length and nature of the leave, and any conditions for return from leave will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The process and criteria for obtaining permission to return from leave may include, for example, any one or more of the following:
Documentation from by a qualified mental health clinician supporting the student’s readiness to return;
An independent evaluation by a clinician chosen by the School;
One or more meetings with the Director of Counseling, Health, and Wellness, the academic support team, or others at the School to assess the prospects for, and develop the specifics of, a reentry plan;
Commitment and demonstrated ability to abide by a treatment plan;
Commitment and demonstrated ability to abide by a behavioral contract.
A mental health Leave of Absence may not be used to avoid the consequences of conduct that occurred before or during the time a student requests or is required to take a Leave of Absence. The School in its discretion will determine when and in what manner the School will address any such conduct issues.
