Hospitalization Re-Entry Policy

Dean of Students

Students who are transported from Nichols College due to a physical or mental health condition, regardless of whether the leave is voluntary or required by the College or local Police, may be required to complete the re-entry process prior to returning to classes and/or college housing. This process is intended to support a successful transition back to campus while ensuring that appropriate resources and supports are in place.

The College’s CARE Team serves as a collaborative resource to support students during the re-entry process and to coordinate appropriate campus resources, when applicable.

The re-entry process is designed to:

Confirm a student’s readiness to safely and successfully resume academic and/or residential life;
Facilitate coordination among relevant campus partners;
Provide clear expectations, timelines, and guidance to students;
Ensure the College can reasonably support the student’s return.

Re-Entry Process

1. Point of Contact

Upon notification of a student’s intent to return, the Office of the Dean of Students will designate a staff member (typically from the CARE Team or Counseling Services) to serve as the primary point of contact throughout the re-entry process. This person will determine whether a re-entry meeting is required and communicate this to the student before they return to campus.

After Hours Support: Contact Public Safety at 508-213-2298

2. Medical Documentation

To be considered for return, the student must provide documentation from a licensed treating clinician. This documentation should:

Confirm the student’s readiness to return to an academic and/or residential environment;
Include a summary of treatment, including duration and level of care;
Address the student’s ability to function independently as a full-time student and, if applicable, as a residential student;
Identify any ongoing limitations or considerations;
Provide recommendations for continued care or support, if applicable.

The College reserves the right to request additional documentation as needed to assess readiness and ensure appropriate support structures are in place.

3. Review of Documentation

The materials submitted will be reviewed by appropriate College officials to determine whether sufficient information has been provided. Additional documentation may be requested if necessary.

All determinations are made through an individualized assessment that considers the student’s circumstances, available supports, and institutional resources.

4. Re-Entry Meeting

When appropriate, a re-entry meeting may be scheduled with the student and relevant College staff. This meeting may include:

Discussion of the student’s readiness to return to academic and/or residential life;
Identification of appropriate campus resources (e.g., Counseling Services, Health Services, CARE Team);
Development of a plan to support a successful transition back to campus.
Completion of any required documentation, including the student’s written consent for Counseling Services (or other applicable providers) to disclose relevant information to the Dean of Students or designee, when necessary to support the student’s successful return and ongoing well-being.

With appropriate consent, family members or outside providers may be invited to participate.

5. Clearance to Return

Following completion of the review process, the College will notify the appropriate offices regarding the student’s eligibility to return to classes and/or housing. In certain circumstances, conditional or time-sensitive clearance may be granted.

* Additional Considerations

Students seeking accommodations should work directly with the College’s Residence Life Office and Office of Advising Office to determine appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Any pending or prior Student Code of Conduct matters will be addressed separately and are not part of the re-entry process.

While the College provides support and coordination during re-entry, students remain responsible for managing their ongoing healthcare and treatment needs.