Standard for Voluntary Withdrawal  from Millikin University- See Academic Bulletin

Standard for Involuntary Withdrawal from Millikin University (below)

1.     A student will be subject to involuntary administrative withdrawal from Millikin University, or from University housing, if it is determined, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the student is suffering from a mental or emotional disorder, and, as a result of the mental or emotional disorder:

a.     Engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others;

b.     Engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which would cause significant property damage, or directly and substantially impede the lawful activities of others;

c.     Engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior which significantly disrupts or diminishes the academic process or the reasonable rights or expectations of other University students; (For purposes of this policy, “academic process” includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: studying; teaching; classroom discussions; and research.)

d.     Engages, or threatens to engage, in behavior rendering the student unable to meet reasonable University standards.

2.     These standards do not preclude removal from the University, or University housing, in accordance with provisions of the residence hall occupancy agreement, or other University rules or regulations.

3.     The Dean of Student Development may refer a student for evaluation by a licensed medical professional, if it is  reasonably believed that the student may meet the criteria set forth in part one, or if a student subject to student conduct charges wishes to introduce relevant evidence of any mental or emotional disorder.

4.     A student subject to an administrative withdrawal shall be given written notice of the withdrawal either by personal delivery or by certified mail, and shall be given a copy of these standards and procedures.  The student shall then be given an opportunity to appear personally before the Dean of Student Development, or a designee, within two business days from the effective date of the interim withdrawal, in order to review the following issues only:

a.     The reliability of the information concerning the student’s behavior;

b.     Whether or not the student’s behavior poses a danger of causing imminent, serious physical harm to the student or others; causing significant property damage; directly and substantially impeding the lawful activities of others; causing significant disruption or diminishment of the University’s academic process or the reasonable rights or expectations of other University students; or rendering the student unable to meet reasonable University standards; and/or

c.     Whether or not the student has completed an evaluation, in accordance with these standards and procedures.

5.     Students subject to an involuntary withdrawal shall be accorded an informal hearing before the Dean of Student Development, or a designee.  The following guidelines will be applicable:

a.     Students will be informed of the time, date, and location of the informal hearing, in writing, either by personal delivery or certified mail, at least two business days in advance.

b.     The entire case file, including an evaluation prepared pursuant to part three of these standards and procedures, and the names of prospective witnesses, will be available for inspection by the student in the Dean of Student Development office during normal business hours.  The file need not include the personal and confidential notes of any institutional official or participant in the evaluation process.

c.     The informal hearing shall be conversational and non-adversarial.  Formal rules of evidence will not apply.  Legal counsel shall not attend or participate in the hearing unless the Dean of Student Development otherwise reasonably believes that the attendance of legal counsel is warranted under the circumstances.  In the event the student is allowed to have legal counsel, the role of counsel will be limited to providing legal advice to the student.  Legal counsel will not be permitted to ask questions of any witnesses or make any statements at the hearing.

d.     The Dean of Student Development or designee shall exercise active control over the proceedings to avoid needless consumption of time and to achieve the orderly completion of the hearing.  Any person who disrupts the hearing may be excluded.

e.     The student may choose to be assisted by a family member and a licensed medical professional or, in lieu of medical professional, by a member of the faculty or staff of the institution.

f.      Those assisting the student (except for legal counsel), will be given reasonable time to ask relevant questions of any individual appearing at the informal hearing, as well as to present relevant evidence.

g.     Whenever possible, the student will be expected to respond to questions asked by the Dean of Student Development or designee.  Students who refuse to answer on the grounds of the Fifth Amendment privilege may be informed that the Dean could draw a negative inference from their refusal which might result in their dismissal from the institution, in accordance with these standards and procedures.

h.     The informal hearing may be conducted in the absence of a student who fails to appear after proper notice.

i.      The Dean or designee shall render a written decision within five business days after the completion of the informal hearing unless additional time is reasonably necessary as determined by the Dean.  The written decision shall be mailed or personally delivered to the student, and it shall contain a statement of reasons for any determination leading to involuntary withdrawal.  The student will be told when a petition for reinstatement will be considered, along with any conditions for reinstatement

j.      The decision of the Dean, or designee, shall be final and conclusive and not subject to appeal.

6.     The Dean or designee may expand or reduce the amount of time allowed to complete any portion of the withdrawal or hearing process, if the Dean or designee reasonably determines such deviation is necessary or in the best interests of the University or student.

7.     Other reasonable deviations from these procedures will not invalidate a decision or proceeding unless clear and significant prejudice to a student may result.

In circumstances where the emotional or physical welfare of a student or other members of the campus community is in jeopardy, it may become necessary to suspend or withdraw that student regardless of the time of year or the student’s class standing. Under such circumstances, the University may seek appropriate medical advice to support the action.

Standard for Voluntary Withdrawal

See University Bulletin