At times the HWS administrators require students who take a medical leave from the Colleges to document appropriate treatment before returning to school.
In such instances, administrators generally require that students arrange for their home treatment providers to provide written documentation regarding their readiness to resume their studies before allowing students to return to HWS (see Community Provider Report Form). Further, administrators may require that home mental health treatment providers communicate directly with a professional staff member at the Center for Counseling and Student Wellness (CCSW) so that CCSW staff may help administrators understand any psychological considerations relevant to the readmission decision.
In evaluating whether a student has successfully engaged in treatment while on medical leave, HWS requires that the student's home treatment providers complete our Community Provider Report Form and send it directly to CCSW. The home treatment provider must be a licensed or certified mental health professional (e.g., a licensed psychologist, licensed social worker, or psychiatrist). Furthermore, release forms must be completed and signed allowing CCSW staff to speak with each treatment provider involved in a student's treatment (see Confidential Information Release for Health Provider) and an additional release form must be completed signed allowing CCSW staff to communicate mental health information with appropriate administrators (see Confidential Information Release for Dean). The completed and signed releases should be mailed to the CCSW staff, at the following address:
Confidential Medical Leave Information
Center for Counseling and Student Wellness
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
91 St. Clair Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Students should be advised that, even in the best of circumstances, the process of confirming their successful engagement in treatment typically requires a few weeks and sometimes takes longer. Therefore, it is important that students begin this part of the readmission process (i.e., complete, sign, and submit all required forms and confirm they have been received) several weeks before they hope to return to campus.
Ultimately, the decision to allow a student to return to school following a medical leave rests with the HWS administrators and not with the staff at the CCSW. Any questions about this process may be directed to the HWS administrators or the staff of the CCSW. The Hobart College deans can be reached by calling 315-781-3300; the William Smith College deans can be reached by calling 315-781-3467.
91 St. Clair Street,
Geneva NY 14456
Phone: (315) 781-3388
After Hours Emergencies: (315) 781-3333
Fax: (315) 781-4455
Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
