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University welcomes Jack Dewildt back into program

Most of the names in these stories have been changed to protect privacy.

Jack Dewildt called the San Diego office for help after he was dismissed from the private university program he had been attending. He had taken four days off to focus on his mental health. Perhaps due to miscommunication, the university told Mr. Dewildt not to return to his clinic site. They then dismissed him from the program for violating the university’s absence policy.

Mr. Dewildt got an “F” in the course, with just four weeks left to complete the program. He has a strong academic record, with an "A" in most of his course work.

A staff attorney in the San Diego office provided an opinion letter for Mr. Dewildt His letter stated that the university's denied Mr. Dewildt a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act failure by refusing to let him take time off for his mental health needs. The attorney also helped Mr. Dewildt file a grievance with the university’s central office.

When the university’s appeals board met, they decided to reinstate Mr. Dewildt in the program. Mr. Dewildt's attorney also negotiated with the university to:

  • Remove the “F” grade from Mr. Dewildt’s transcript;
  • Allow Mr. Dewildt to complete the program; and
  • Reimburse Mr. Dewildt for the extra rent and living expenses he incurred during those the extra weeks of school.