Applications for fees waivers on medical and psychiatric grounds at an Irish third-level college.
BACKGROUND
Physical and mental illness present substantial challenges to college students and authorities.


OBJECTIVE
(1) To characterize medical and psychiatric reasons underlying requests for fees waivers at an Irish third-level college; (2) to identify information included in applications; and (3) to develop proposals for standardizing applications.


METHODS
We examined all applications for exemption from fees for medical or psychiatric reasons over two academic years at an Irish third-level college.


RESULTS
Two hundred and twenty-two students applied for exemptions; 91% were successful. Psychiatric problems were more common than physical illness (64.1 vs. 27.9%). There was wide variation in details provided in applications with few providing details on likely ongoing duration of illness (5.0%).


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend that (a) a structured medical application form be completed by medical practitioners supporting applications; (b) a medical practitioner review applications; and (c) there should be annual re-audit of this process.
White
D C
DC
Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Ireland.
Kelly
B D
BD
Casey
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004194:Disease; D004493:Education / Q000191:economics*; D005249:Fees and Charges; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult