By: Fitzroy Harris
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you become ill for several weeks or develop a sports injury? Milligan does support affected students.
Milligan would first require students to provide documentation of their illness, the date and how they got diagnosed. The doctor’s credentials, how the sickness affects a major life activity and the effects on the student’s academic performance are also required.
Director of Disability Services at Milligan, Tony Jones said students could have a medical withdrawal as opposed to a normal withdrawal, which would have some benefits.
“This would apply to the HOPE scholarship or a Milligan scholarship that would protect grants for students” Jones said.
If a student becomes ill they are protected under the American with Disabilities Act and accommodations are provided for complications that impact major life activities Jones said.
Students with health complications are aided by tape recordings of lectures, adjusted curriculum to meet their needs and even Resident Assistants bringing meals.
“Milligan goes beyond what the law requires” in assisting its students Jones said.
However, injured athletes may have slightly different needs should they recover and are able to return to college sports.
“Typically they will not lose their scholarship at least for that year” Athletic Director, Ray Smith said. “I feel confident that the college policy has been doing everything possible to accommodate injured athletes,” Smith added.
Even though injured athletes may not be listed on rosters, it is important they remain a part of the team.
“Coaches involve them in support functions and to keep them engaged with the team,” Vice President for Student Development Mark Fox said.
Chronic illness problems are not common among Milligan students Jones said. There is one student currently facing a chronic illness but Jones was unable to give details due to confidentiality.
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