Interim Suspension
The Dean of Students or appropriate designee may issue an Interim Suspension upon receiving a Complaint and prior to completion of the student accountability process as a temporary measure for a Student reasonably believed to pose a threat to the University community. Such threat may involve a significant risk to the health or safety of any member of the University community, including the Student, to University Property, or to University operations, including the educational process.
An interim suspension is also authorized upon information that a student has been or is likely to be charged with a violation of University policy or state or federal law involving acts of violence or other serious conduct that would reasonably support a finding that the Student poses a safety risk, and is therefore unable to remain a member of the University community pending the outcome of university or legal proceedings.
Notice of Interim Suspension
The Dean of Students Office will notify the Student in writing as soon as possible after being notified of the alleged misconduct. The notice will include:
- The basis for the Interim Suspension;
- The process for appeal and review of the Interim Suspension; and
- The appropriate contact for questions about the terms of the Interim Suspension and for permission to enter University Property for certain limited purposes, such as retrieving property from residence halls or attending a student accountability proceeding, where appropriate
Appropriate University personnel, including, but not limited to, the Student’s Faculty members and academic advisors, academic deans, the Chief of University Police, Housing and Residence Life and/or coaches, maybe notified of this action.
Appeal of Interim Suspension
A Student may appeal the interim suspension to the Dean of Students or designee in writing within two (2) business days. The interim suspension remains in effect during any appeal. If requested in the written appeal, a Student will be given an opportunity to appear personally (when appropriate) before the Dean of Students or designee within three (3) business days of submitting the appeal. Only the following issues may be discussed at the appeal meeting:
- The reliability of the information concerning the Student's conduct, including the matter of his or her identity; or
- Whether the conduct and surrounding circumstances reasonably indicate the continued presence of the Student on University Property poses a significant risk to the health or safety of any member of the University community, including the Student, to University Property, or to University operations, including the educational process.
Continued Academic Progress
During the period of Interim Suspension, the student may explore opportunities for continued academic progress remotely. It is the student’s responsibility to contact their Faculty members for consideration. Decisions regarding continued academic progress are made at the sole discretion of the Faculty member.
Restricted Access to Campus
Students subject to Interim Suspension may be restricted from accessing the University campus (as well as University sponsored events on and off campus), pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. The student may request access by writing to the Dean of Students or designee. If access is granted and a Student violates the terms of that access, the Student may be denied all access to the University campus (as well as University sponsored events on and off campus) and may be subject to disciplinary action for non-compliance.
Prompt Accountability Hearing
The Interim Suspension shall not exceed a reasonable time, assuming the Student’s response to notice and process is timely. A disciplinary hearing on the alleged violation(s) of the Code of Community Standards will be promptly scheduled by the Assistant Dean for Student Conduct.
If the outcome of the student accountability process results in the suspension or dismissal of the student, the effective date will be the date of the Interim Suspension.
Related: