Table of Contents
The University of New Haven (the "University") is committed to preserving the safety, security and well-being of students and all members of the University community. When a student engages in behavior that is disruptive to the University's commitments, including behavior that poses a direct threat to members of the University community, the University may require the student to take an involuntary leave of absence. As used in this Policy, "student" means any person who is enrolled in one or more classes offered by the University.
An involuntary leave of absence is not intended to replace disciplinary actions that are taken in response to violations of the Student Code of Conduct, nor does it preclude the suspension or dismissal of students from the University as a result of such violations. It also does not affect any action taken by law enforcement personnel in connection with the violations.
Whenever appropriate, before an involuntary leave of absence is invoked, the University may evaluate reasonable options to reduce the risk to the University community and accommodate the student, and the student will also be permitted to take a voluntary leave of absence from the University. In the event that the risks remain, and the student does not take a voluntary leave of absence, the procedures outlined in this Policy will be implemented.
When a member of the Dean of Students staff is made aware of a student's behavior by a member(s) of the campus community, the assigned staff member or designee will:
- Evaluate accessible information and consult with appropriate University personnel who may include staff from the Dean of Students Office, Residential Life, Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Accessibility Resources Center, and University Police. Other campus personnel may be consulted at the discretion of the DOS.
- Notify the student that an involuntary leave of absence is being considered.
- Contact the student's parents or guardians if deemed appropriate.
- The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case will provide an opportunity for the student to meet to discuss the implications of and procedures relating to an involuntary leave of absence.
- Whenever appropriate, the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case will encourage the student to take a voluntary leave of absence, thus eliminating the need to invoke an involuntary leave.
- The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case may require that the student undergo a psychological or physical evaluation if they believe it will facilitate a more informed decision. In such event, the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case may require the student to provide a report from their treating physician, and the University also reserves the right to have the student undergo an examination by a physician of its choice, which would include a review of the student's medical records. The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case may stay any pending disciplinary action until the evaluation process is completed. If the student fails to initiate the required evaluation or refuses to undergo an evaluation within the time period set by the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case, the student will be placed on an involuntary leave of absence from the University.
- The student shall sign a release authorizing the results of the evaluation to be provided to the University representatives who are involved in the decision-making process, as identified by the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case. Evaluations will be maintained in strict confidence in accordance with the University's privacy policies and applicable laws relating to confidentiality.
- Upon consultation with University officials and review of information provided by evaluators, if requested, the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case will make a decision regarding the involuntary leave of absence and provide the student with written notice of the decision. The decision may include continued enrollment with no conditions, continued enrollment with conditions, or an involuntary leave of absence.
- If the student withdraws from the University, or leaves the University prior to participating in the evaluation, they will be prohibited from re-enrolling until the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case has received and evaluated documents from a qualified professional which expressly state that the student does not pose a risk of harm to the health, safety, or property of others, or of disruption, or threatened disruption to the normal operations and activities of the University, its students, faculty, or staff.
- A letter of notification regarding the decision will be sent to the student within five (5) business days of the receipt of all pertinent information and will specify the terms of the decision and conditions for reinstatement, if applicable.
- At any time before a final determination is made, the student may initiate the procedures for withdrawal or voluntary leave from the University by calling the Registrar's Office. The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case will provide the student with information on the relevant procedures.
- If the University decides to implement an involuntary student leave of absence, such leave will become effective immediately. The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case will inform the student in writing of the decision and the specific requirements for reinstatement by electronic mail:
- The specific length of time that the student will be on an involuntary leave of absence from the University will be determined on a case-by-case basis
- The Dean of Students staff member assigned the case reserves the right to notify the student's parent, guardian, or other appropriate person of the involuntary leave of absence, if such notification is deemed appropriate.
- The student's transcript will reflect a grade of "W" or "I" as determined by each professor for each course in which the student was enrolled that semester and was unable to complete regardless of whether the involuntary leave of absence occurred within the University's specified class withdrawal period. A notation of "Leave of Absence" may be noted on the student's transcript.
- The Registrar will be notified by the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case that the student may not be reinstated without authorization from the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case.
- Following implementation of the involuntary student leave of absence, the student will not be permitted on the University's campus or to attend any off-campus University activities, unless and until the student receives express written permission from the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case and/or is reinstated at the University.
- The student must return their Campus Card (identification card) to the Dean of Students staff member assigned the case. If a resident student, the residence hall room or apartment must be vacated immediately and the keys returned to the Office of Residential Life
- The student may appeal this decision to the Dean of Students.
- Appeals shall be in writing and must be received within five calendar days from the date of receipt of the written notification of the involuntary student leave of absence.
- The decision to invoke an involuntary student leave of absence will be final and conclusive if the student fails to file a request within the specified time.
- The student will remain on involuntary leave during the pendency of the appeal process.
- The Dean of Students or designee will notify the student in writing of his/ her decision regarding the appeal. Generally, appeals will be heard within ten (10) business days, unless circumstances prevent, in which case the appellant will be informed of the status of the appeal. The decision of the Dean of Students or designee will be final.
- To the extent feasible, the student will be assisted by the Provost's Office in the making up of academic requirements.
- A student who has been placed on an involuntary leave of absence who wishes to be reinstated must submit a formal request for reinstatement to the Dean of Students Office.
- The student must present evidence that they have satisfied all conditions of reinstatement that were established at the time the involuntary student leave of absence was instituted
- The decision to approve or deny reinstatement will be made at the sole discretion of the Dean of Students or designee.
- In approving a request for reinstatement, the Dean of Students or designee may impose additional conditions under which the student will be permitted to return to the University.
- The student will be notified in writing within 10 business days of the decision regarding their request for reinstatement, including any conditions and/or requirements under which the student will be permitted to return to the University.
- In unusual circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to remove a student from classes and/or from campus while the processes set forth in this Policy are followed.
- The Dean of Students or designee may impose an interim immediate involuntary leave of absence pending a determination about an involuntary student leave of absence if, in the opinion of the Dean of Students or designee, the student's behavior poses a direct threat to the safety, security and well-being of the University community.
- The Dean of Students or designee will notify the student in writing by electronic mail to their University email account of the interim immediate involuntary leave and provide the student with an opportunity to discuss the interim immediate involuntary leave of absence and the process for determining an involuntary leave of absence.
International students will be advised that an Involuntary Leave of Absence will likely affect their student visa status and that they should consult with the International Services Office for more information.
Students who are funded with Federal monies should consult the Financial Aid Office regarding the impact of an involuntary leave of absence on their eligibility for aid.
Student athletes should consult with the Athletic Department regarding the impact of an involuntary leave of absence on their eligibility for athletics.
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