Policies

College Initiated Withdrawal For Disruptive Behavior

College-Initiated Withdrawal

The college may initiate withdrawal of a student if it is determined to be more likely than not that the student is engaging in or likely to engage in behavior which poses a significant danger of causing harm to others or to substantial property rights, or which renders the student unable to engage in basic required activities necessary to obtain an education, or that substantially impedes the lawful activities of others.  The college may initiate withdrawal of a student through these procedures.

The first step will be to determine an appropriate initial action. The primary alternatives for initial action are as follows, but these do not preclude other actions based on a specific situation.

1. Continue in college activities with no restrictions. The college may take no action if it is decided, based on review of the referral information or other information presented, that the student may be allowed to continue with no restrictions. In those cases, care should be taken to provide opportunity for the student to be advised of accommodations and supportive services that are available. In cases where there are conduct actions pending, those actions should go forward.
2. Continue in college activities pending further proceedings. The college may require that the student meets certain conditions regarding the student’s behavior over a specified period of time if he/she is to remain enrolled.  Such conditions here could include, for example, stopping classroom disruptiveness. Failure to comply with the conditions, coupled with further disruptive behavior, may result in having additional conduct complaints added to any that were previously pending or deferred. At no point will the college engage in a behavioral contract or agreement with a student whose behaviors indicate harm or danger to any member of the community.
3. Remaining enrolled at the college subject to conditions but with eligibility for college-owned residential agreement reviewed. Under certain circumstances, where other students’ living and learning environment is very likely to be disrupted by a student’s behavior, the Assistant Dean of Students responsible for Residence Life and Safety will have the option of allocating alternative and more suitable living accommodations if such are available, or of terminating the accommodation agreement.
4. Temporary suspension of studies and/or separation from campus. If there is a pervasive pattern of disruptive or threatening behavior, or behaviors that are assaultive or create a hostile environment which presents an imminent risk of injury to others, the student may be temporarily suspended from studies and/or ordered off campus. In those situations, a hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible to determine if the temporary suspension will continue.

• Students suspended under this provision will be notified by personal delivery, and will also be given a copy of these standards and procedures. The student will be given the option of appearing before the dean of students (or designee) within 48 hours of the order for temporary suspension to discuss only the following:
  • The reliability of the information concerning the student’s behavior;
  • Whether the student’s behavior poses a danger of causing imminent, serious harm to others, causing property damage, or directly impeding the lawful activities of others;
  • Whether the student has completed a behavioral contract, in accordance with the standards and procedures.
• The sole decisions to be made at the hearing are whether temporary suspension should be continued or modified, and whether the temporary suspension should remain in consideration.

When a college-initiated withdrawal is imposed, a student’s parents/guardians will be notified unless the student can show cause why notification could exacerbate the problems leading to the interim action or withdrawal. This notification is in accordance with college policy and FERPA exceptions.