To the Editor:
Several articles have appeared recently in Institute publications regarding Rensselaer’s involuntary leave of absence policy. The issue came to my attention early in September and I was troubled to learn the circumstances under which a student was placed on such a leave. Confidential information was dispersed—as allowed by broad Institute policy—in a way that upset the student. Proper procedures were not followed regarding multiple opinions and prior notification of action, but an appeal was turned down and the student was harassed by the medical director and made to feel very unwelcome at Rensselaer. I am disappointed in the conduct of some Institute personnel and I question the need for many conditions of a medical leave of absence.
The student’s loans have been stopped per Institute policy, even though they might be necessary to pay for classes that are required by the Institute, as stated in a report by Andrew Tibbetts in the October 16 issue of The Poly. The student’s computing system account has been frozen, also restricting Rensselaer e-mail privileges and the right to register for classes. Though some of my statements were looked upon critically in Audra L. Baroni’s October 8 article in Statler and Waldorf, my information is not false and comes directly from the incident about which I write and responses from Health Center personnel. The student will be required to pay a fee to a third party to obtain the necessary documents for return to Rensselaer.
The student was instructed that no contact would be allowed with the Counseling Center during the leave and subsequent phone calls to counselors were politely turned away. The student’s pro-rated payments were returned. A referral was made to Rensselaer’s preferred counseling center in Albany and notification was sent that student status and rights would be removed until all requirements of the leave of absence are met. With that, Rensselaer ‘washed its hands of the student’ and got back to the business of building a better school with better students and a better reputation.
It is still not at all clear to me how these actions are in the interests of the student, though this is the primary objective claimed by Rensselaer. I recognize the need for involuntary leaves of absence and I do not wish to speculate on alternatives or possible changes to the policy, but I continue to have an interest in informing the Rensselaer student body about the consequences of seeking health care provided by the Institute. The health center staff are experienced and do provide quality care, but their control over patients extends well beyond what one would experience under the care of an independent health service.
Students should carefully consider their options. The health center is not free to those who do not pay its fees; I find no reason to seek care there and will avoid it even in case of need because of what I’ve seen happen. Help is available elsewhere and if asked, the health center staff will kindly advise interested students that other options exist for their needs, should they want help.
Michael Gradziel
GRAD MECL
