Involuntary Withdrawal Procedure

Whenever possible, the college uses the Student Conduct Policy and Procedures to address violations of college regulations. In rare cases, a student poses a significant risk to self or others and ma not be competent to participate in student conduct proceedings. Significant risk constitutes a high probability of substantial harm and not just a slightly increased, speculative or remote risk. In these cases, the provost/vice president for academic affairs or designee may involuntarily withdraw the student from the college.

Procedure

1. If a student poses an immediate and significant risk of harm to self or others, the individual confronted with the situation calls local police. The dean makes a further assessment after the immediate safety issues are addressed.
2. The dean uses available evidence to determine if there is significant risk to self or others. The assessment may include a review of recommendations by emergency responders (police, EMTs, etc.) and medical professionals. Additionally, or in the absence of such information, the dean uses the best available information.
3. The dean of the student's home center makes a request to the provost/vice president for academic affairs outlining the risk posed by the student and explaining why the student is not able to participate in conduct proceedings, if applicable.
4. The provost/vice president for academic affairs reviews the request and determines if the threat and the assessment of incompetence is sufficient to warrant the involuntary withdrawal of the student from the college. The provost/vice president for academic affairs may consult with others as needed and provides the student an opportunity to provide his or her own evaluation or other evidence.
   1. If an involuntary withdrawal is warranted, the provost/vice president for academic affairs notifies the individual in writing, summarizes the basis for the decision, and copies the dean. The provost/vice resident for academic affairs also may require as a precondition to a student's return that the student provide documentation that the student has taken steps to reduce the previous threat. The college may require a release to speak with any treatment professional.
   2. If the student poses a risk to safety and order and the provost/vice president for academic affairs determines that the student is competent to participate in conduct proceedings, involuntary withdrawal is not appropriate. The conduct policy and procedures provide for an interim suspension pending conduct proceedings.
   3. If the provost/vice president for academic affairs determines that the student does not pose a significant risk, he or she refers the matter back to the dean for action in accordance with established policies and procedures.
5. The student may request reconsideration of the involuntary withdrawal in writing to the provost.vice president for academic affairs. The student provides a rationale and additional evidence that supports his or her request. This may include documentation that he or she has taken steps to reduce the previous threat. The provost/vice president for academic affairs reviews the request and any documentation, may consult with others, may require a release to speak with any treatment professionals, and informs the student in writing of the final decision.