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STUDENT AFFAIRS OP 91.113: Withdrawal and Readmission of Mentally-Ill Students

Date: September 15, 2006

Purpose

To accommodate persons with mental illness that requires treatment prior to the continuation of study.

Policy

The procedures for involuntary withdrawal are meant to be used only after attempts to secure voluntary cooperation for a psychological evaluation or withdrawal have been exhausted, and will be used only after thoughtful consideration. Involuntary withdrawal is necessary when a student as a consequence of perceived mental disorder:

  1. Engages in behavior which is imminently harmful either to himself/herself or to others; or

  2. Is unable to meet reasonable institutional standards of conduct; and in which there is serious question about the student's appreciation of the nature and quality of the behavior(s) in question.

Procedure

  1. Withdrawals of mentally-ill students will be initiated on the recommendation of professional staff (physician, clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, or other appropriate staff). Where possible and when needed, the case study method will be employed. Decisions to withdraw will be forwarded to the Registrar with the request to hold records and readmission until clearance has been given by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

  2. Readmission requests from those withdrawn under this procedure will be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs for review. Reviews will draw upon resources outside the university for statements on treatment and prognosis, and will be considered by the case team involved.

  3. All decisions will be made on a professional and confidential basis and will include the consideration of the nature of the illness, the availability of treatment outside the institution, the availability of parental or guardian supervision, and the welfare of the individual as it relates to the welfare of the institution.

Review

The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the review of this operating policy every four years or as needed.

OP 91.113
10/02/06

For information about this policy, contact the responsible/reviewing department hyperlinked above.