Reason for
Policy: The University is committed to
providing a safe and orderly environment, protecting its community
members from the risk of physical harm, and preserving the
integrity of its learning environment. In so doing, the
University reserves the right to compel an involuntary leave of
absence in extraordinary circumstances for any student whose
behavior includes engaging in or a likelihood of engaging in
behavior that either poses a danger of harm to self or others, or
disrupts the learning environment of others.
Definition:
Involuntary Leave of Absence is defined as the involuntary
separation of a student from the University and its facilities for
no less than one calendar year that is prescribed by the Vice
President for Student Affairs.
Procedure:
Purview of this Policy:
This policy is meant to be invoked only after extensive involvement
with a student – in an effort to effect voluntary leave and after
alternative actions have been explored. An Involuntary Leave
of Absence may be imposed if a student is unwilling or unable to
request a voluntary leave of absence, and such a leave may be
necessary to protect the safety of that student and/or others, or
the integrity of the University’s learning environment. This
would include such situations as unresolved, ongoing, and serious
suicidal threats, self-starvation of a life-threatening nature, and
serious threats of harm to others.
This policy and these procedures do not take the place of
disciplinary actions that are in response to violations of the
Judicial Code of Conduct, nor do they preclude the removal or
dismissal of students from the University or University owned
facilities as a result of violations of other University policies
or regulations.
Placing a Student on Involuntary Leave of
Absence:
When the Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee, learns
of a student's disconcerting behavior, and deems it appropriate,
s/he will initiate the following procedures: The
Vice-President for Student Affairs may be notified of the behavior
by any source on campus such as a College Dean, Faculty upon
recommendation of College Dean, Public Safety, Residence Life, Dean
of Students, or Health or Counseling Services.
1. Upon notification and as needed thereafter, the Vice President
for Student Affairs may consult with a cross-functional team of
administrators including, a representative of the Dean of the
College, Residence Life, Dean of Students, Health or Counseling
Services, General Counsel and other administrators as needed,
regarding the student’s behavior and appropriate avenues for
addressing the behavior.
2. The Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee, will
notify the student an Involuntary Leave of Absence is
under consideration.
3. The Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee, will
discuss with the student the implications of and procedures
relating to an Involuntary Leave of Absence. The student will
be provided with a copy of this policy. Whenever possible and
appropriate, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or a designee,
will encourage the student to take a voluntary leave of absence,
thereby eliminating the need to complete the process for an
involuntary leave.
4. When warranted, the Health Related Leave Review Committee shall
review the student’s medical records. The Health Related
Leave Review Committee may make a recommendation to the Vice
President for Student Affairs and will confer with him or her as
necessary.
5. When consulting with the cross-functional team, the individuals
will pay particular attention to the criteria for invoking an
involuntary leave, specifically whether the student engages in, or
is judged to be likely to engage in, behavior that poses a danger
of causing harm to self or others, or disrupts the learning
environment.
6. Following these consultations, the Vice President for Student
Affairs or a designee, will make a final decision regarding the
involuntary leave of absence, and shall provide written notice of
this decision to the student.
7. The Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee will notify
the student when the involuntary leave is imposed. Along with
notice of this decision, the student will be informed of the steps
that must be taken to initiate re-enrollment.
Implications of an Involuntary Leave of Absence:
1) Effective Dates of Leave: The Involuntary Leave shall remain in
effect for a minimum of one calendar year.
2) Campus Visitation: While on Involuntary Leave, the student may
visit campus only as authorized in writing by the Vice President
for Student Affairs or a designee, for the duration of the
leave.
3) Notification: The Vice President for Student Affairs or a
designee reserves the right to notify a parent, guardian, or other
person, if notification is deemed appropriate. In addition,
the parent, guardian, or other person may be asked to make
arrangements for the safe removal of the student from the
university environment.
4) Campus Housing: Students who desire campus housing on their
return from an Involuntary Leave are responsible for notifying the
Residence Life Office of their intention with sufficient advance
notice. The University cannot guarantee on-campus housing will be
available upon return from leave.
Request for Re-enrollment:
A written request for re-enrollment must be submitted to the Vice
President for Student Affairs. The student’s re-enrollment
request will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs
or a designee. The University reserves the right to establish that
the student meet certain criteria prior to resumption of
enrollment. The criteria include, but are not limited to,
compelling evidence that the behavior that precipitated the need
for the Involuntary Leave has been ameliorated to the degree that
it will no longer adversely affect the student’s safety and/or
functioning. The criteria and supporting documentation will be
identified to the student at the time when the Involuntary Leave is
imposed.
PLEASE NOTE: Each student in the Leave review process is
responsible for reading the information provided in the addendum to
this policy regarding insurance coverage, financial obligations and
financial aid.