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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Students with Medical Issues Affecting Their Classwork


Is there a medical leave or withdrawal at Gateway?

No, there is no such thing as medical leave or a medical withdrawal. Students simply follow the normal withdrawal process.

Why isn’t there medical leave or a medical withdrawal?

The concept of medical leave or a medical withdrawal is more common in 4-year colleges. Due to the flexible enrollment available at the community colleges, there is no special withdrawal type for medical issues. Any student may withdraw from one or more courses according to the guidelines and dates published by the Registrar’s office.

How do I conduct a withdrawal from courses?

Simply complete a withdrawal form found at the Registrar’s webpage. Please note that courses from which you withdraw will be noted with a "W" mark, which has no effect on GPA. When completing the withdrawal form, a student would simply note that their withdrawal is due to medical issues. Students are considered active, continuing students up to four (4) semesters of non-enrollment.

What are the financial consequences of withdrawal?

Withdrawal from courses after the initial add/drop period of a semester receive no refund. However, appeals due to significant medical issues may be possible. If a student is on financial aid, withdrawing from courses may affect their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing (click here for specific policies). A full withdrawal from all courses may also require a return of funds to the federal government and leave students with a balance due. If a student’s aid is compromised, appeals to SAP are made through the Financial Aid Office. Other appeals are submitted through the Bursar’s Office (N216). Students are encouraged to retain their medical documentation and submit it as required by the appropriate appeals process.

What if I do not want to withdraw, but have medical issues affecting my attendance?

Any issues affecting class work must be discussed with the student’s individual instructors. Instructors typically have guidelines in their syllabus on how they will deal with absences. Students are encouraged to discuss their specific circumstances with their instructor to see if additional flexibility may be arranged.

Can I just get an Incomplete grade and finish my coursework later?

Course instructors have sole authority to grant an Incomplete in their class. Incompletes are granted rarely and typically occur when very little coursework has been missed, when it is late in the semester, if there is a compelling medical issue, and it is very clear how the work will be completed in a specified timeline. 

What if I have continuing medical issues that affect my coursework or attendance?

Students who have documented medical issues are strongly encouraged to register with the college’s Student Accessibility Services (located in Room S202, 203-285-2231). Appropriate adjustments may be made. However, adjustments do not typically cover absences.

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Student Enrollment Verification

Three ways to verify enrollment ...

1 - Official enrollment verifications are processed in the Registrar's Office (B109) after the close of the refund period or after the second week of classes.

2 - Students can also print out their enrollment verification form from myCommNet.

  • Sign on to myCommNet
  • Click Student Tab , then Student Self-Service
  • Click Student Records then Request for Enrollment Verification
  • Click button to access National Student Clearinghouse and follow directions

3 - Student Enrollment Verifications Can Also be Processed Through the National Student Clearinghouse

Students can have the appropriate company contact the National Student Clearinghouse directly by one of the ways listed below.

Verification of student enrollment status may be necessary to provide proof of education for credit card companies, degree status, employment, insurance companies, loan deferment, student housing, or other purposes. Students that are required to verify their enrollment are encouraged to contact the National Student Clearinghouse.

The National Student Clearinghouse accepts requests from students and/or agencies inquiring about the status of student attendance and can be reached by: Telephone: to the Customer Service Department at 1- 703-742-7791 (please see web site for hours). Students may also call to verify that their information is up-to-date. Fax or Mail-In: include student name, social security number, and date of birth. Send fax to the attention of Enrollment Verify at 1-703-742-4239 or mail to address below. Email: send inquiries to . Include student name, social security number, date of birth and send to the attention of Enrollment Verify. Enrollment verification request forms: from insurance companies and/or other agencies can be sent directly to the Clearinghouse at

National Student Clearinghouse
13454 Sunrise Valley Drive
Herndon, VA 20171-3019

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