PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The university is committed to protecting its community members from the risk of physical harm, and preserving the integrity of its learning environment. Separation of a student from the university and its facilities may be necessary if there is sufficient evidence that the student is engaging in or is likely to engage in behavior that either poses a danger to the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community or disrupts the learning environment of others.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

All student enrolled at CSU-Pueblo.

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

None

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Involuntary Student Leave of Absence: The separation of a student from the university and its facilities that is prescribed by the Dean of Student Life.

POLICY STATEMENT

CSU-Pueblo is committed to the success of all students, and to the safety and security of all persons in the CSU-Pueblo community. CSU-Pueblo recognizes there may be situations wherein a student poses a danger to the university community or may disrupt the learning environment of others. In such situations and in extraordinary circumstances, CSU-Pueblo may place a student on an involuntary leave of absence from the university and its facilities for reasons of community safety.

POLICY PROVISIONS

The Dean of Student Life or a designee may be alerted to a student's harming behavior from a variety of sources on campus (such as the student's advisor, college department chair or dean Campus Life, and Student Health Services, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office). If the Dean of Student Life deems it appropriate, the following procedures will be initiated.

1. The Dean of Student Life or a designee will notify the student that an involuntary leave is under consideration and the reason(s) why an involuntary leave is under consideration. The student will have the opportunity to respond and/or provide relevant information.

2. The Dean of Student Life or a designee will discuss with the student the implications of and procedures relating to an involuntary leave of absence. A copy of this policy will be provided to the student. Whenever possible and appropriate, the Dean of Student Life or a designee will encourage the student to take a voluntary leave of absence, thereby eliminating the need to complete the process for an involuntary leave.

3. The Dean of Student Life or a designee will confer as feasible and when appropriate in a particular matter with the following individuals or their designees regarding the need for a leave of absence:

a. The Department Chair or Dean of the student's college or school.

b. The Director of Student Health and Counseling.

c. Counselor.

d. Coordinator of Disability Resource Office.

f. Assistant Dean for Conduct and Case Management.

g. The student's faculty advisor.

h. The Lieutenant of the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office assigned to campus.

i. Such other individuals as may be appropriate in a particular matter.

4. During these consultations, these individuals will pay particular attention to the criteria for invoking an involuntary leave, specifically whether the student's behavior is disruptive of the university's learning environment and whether the behavior poses a danger to the safety of others. Consideration will also be given to accommodations that may reasonably be provided that will mitigate the need for the involuntary leave.

5. The Dean of Student Life or a designee may require a mental or physical evaluation if he or she believes it will facilitate a more informed decision.

6. Following these consultations, the Dean of Student Life or a designee will make a decision regarding the involuntary leave of absence, and must provide written notice of this decision to the student.

7. Within five days of receiving the decision of the Dean of Student Life, the student may submit an appeal of the decision in writing to the Vice-President for Student Services and Enrollment Management designee. After reviewing the matter fully, the Vice-President for Student Services and Enrollment Management designee will issue a written decision, which shall be final.

If Involuntary Leave Is Imposed:

The Dean of Student Life or a designee will inform the student, along with the notice of the decision, as to the steps that must be taken when the student wishes to re-enroll

If Involuntary Leave Is Not Imposed:

The Dean of Student Life or a designee may impose other conditions and/or requirements under which the student is allowed to remain at the university.

Implications of an Involuntary Student Leave of Absence for Community Safety include the following:

The leave will remain in effect until the student complies with the pre-requisites to enrollment mandated by the Dean of Student Life. An individualized assessment will be made for the student to determine if the pre-requisites have been satisfied.

The duration of leave will be determined by the Dean of Student Life based on the facts and circumstances leading to the imposition of the involuntary leave.

The student must leave campus within the time frame set forth by the Dean of Student Life or a designee. The student may visit campus or its facilities only as authorized in writing by the Dean of Student Life or a designee, for the duration of the leave.

The Dean of Student Life or a designee reserves the right to notify a parent, guardian, or other person, if notification is deemed appropriate. In addition, the parent, guardian, or other person may be asked to make arrangements for the safe removal of the student from the university environment.

A student taking a leave of absence still has certain financial obligations. For more information please see the Catalog regarding payment obligations due to withdrawal from classes.

An involuntary Leave of Absence for Community Safety does not relieve the student of any violations of the Student Code of Conduct and the student may also be disciplined under the Code if appropriate.

Request for Reenrollment: A formal request for re-enrollment must be submitted to the Dean of Student Life. The student's re-enrollment request will be reviewed by the Dean of Student Life or a designee, who, with the Vice President of Student services and Enrollment Management, must approve the Re-enrollment along with the Admissions Review Committee.

The Dean of Student Life or a designee may consult with one or more of the following individuals regarding the re-enrollment decision and may impose such conditions as they may recommend helping ensure the student's successful return to the university:

a. The Department Chair or Dean of the student's college or school.

b. The Director of Student Health and Counseling.

c. Counselor.

d. Assistant Dean of Student Conduct and Case Management.

d. Coordinator of Disability Resource Office Services.

e. The student's faculty advisor.

f. The Lieutenant of the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office assigned to campus.

g. Such other individuals as may be appropriate in a particular matter.

REFERENCES

American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), as amended

Family Education Records Privacy Act of 197 4

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended

CSU-Pueblo Student Code of Conduct

CSU-Pueblo Catalog

FORMS AND TOOLS

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APPROVALS

Colorado State University-Pueblo

By:  Lesley DiMare, President

Date: 09/23/2015