Academic Dispensations and the Role of the Counseling Center

Abstract

Many institutions of higher education have provisions for allowing academic latitude when serious mental health problems get in the way of learning. This article reviews a hierarchy of academic remedies that may be utilized and the role of the college counseling center with respect to their use. The discussion centers around counseling center policies and their practical application, which involves working closely with the dean's office. The article considers the pros and cons of counseling center involvement, concluding that involvement is generally beneficial for both psychological and academic reasons.

Keywords:

• academic difficulty
• college and university students
• medical leave of absence
• mental health