Involuntary Leave of Absence
Students may voluntarily withdraw from Suffolk University at any time during matriculation. In addition, students may request a Leave of Absence in accordance with University policies. However, situations as described below may arise when the University determines on an individualized, case-by-case basis that a student may need to be involuntarily placed on a Leave of Absence from the University. When a student demonstrates conduct or behavior that may violate the CAS/SBS Suffolk University Community Standards, Law School Disciplinary Standard, or other Suffolk University policies, that conduct or behavior will be addressed through the appropriate disciplinary processes.
This Policy is not intended to be disciplinary in nature. Rather, this Policy outlines the criteria and procedures for when and how a student may be involuntarily placed on a Leave of Absence from the University for demonstrating behavior that creates a direct threat to the safety or health of the student or others or that unreasonably disrupts the normal education processes and orderly operation of the University. There may be situations in which both this Policy and the Community Standards, Law School Disciplinary Standard, and/or other Suffolk policies are applicable.
Definitions
Dean of Student Affairs: This refers to the Dean of Undergraduate Student Affairs or the Dean of Law and Graduate Student Affairs, depending on the academic level of the student reviewed under this policy. In a case where this designation is unclear, the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) will determine which Dean of Student Affairs will take action under this policy. The VPSA’s determination will be final and not subject to appeal.
Notice: Under this policy, notice is deemed to be given if sent by e-mail to a student’s Suffolk University e-mail address.
Criteria for an Involuntary Leave of Absence
A student may be placed on an Involuntary Leave of Absence from Suffolk University if the University determines on an individualized, case-by-case basis, in accordance with the procedures listed below, that the student:
- demonstrates conduct or behavior that is unreasonably disruptive to the normal education processes and orderly operation of Suffolk University and no reasonable accommodations are available that can adequately reduce disruption;
- demonstrates conduct or behavior that endangers themself, or that creates a direct threat that the student may endanger themself;
- demonstrates conduct or behavior that endangers others, or that creates a direct threat that the student may endanger others; or
- is unable or unwilling to carry out substantial self-care obligations and poses a significant risk to their own safety, that of others or the orderly operation of Suffolk University. Such risk may not be based on mere speculation, stereotypes, or generalizations.
Involuntary Leave of Absence Process
If it becomes evident (through observed behavior or by report(s) from faculty, staff, students or others) that a Leave of Absence from the University may be in the best interest of a student and the University and the student do not agree, then the following procedures will be engaged: The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will collect available information, such as information obtained from incident reports, conversations with students, faculty and staff, and the opinions of appropriate medical/clinical professionals if such information is available. If reasonably possible, the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will meet with the student, giving notice to the student of the meeting and providing an opportunity for the student to provide information in support of the student’s request that s/he not be placed on a leave of absence and/or to make suggestions for reasonable accommodation(s) short of an involuntary leave from the University. If, after the meeting, the student maintains that he/she would like to remain enrolled, the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will request that the student sign an authorization permitting medical/clinical professionals who have treated the student to share information with the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, and other University officials. Failure by the student to sign the authorization will result in the involuntary withdrawal of the student from the University as the University will have insufficient information to render an individualized determination.
The Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, will then convene an "Involuntary Leave of Absence Committee" comprised of the Dean of Student Affairs, or designee, one Academic Dean from the school in which the student is enrolled, or designee and the Executive Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness, or designee. Additional University administrators will be added to the committee at the discretion of the VPSA, if and when appropriate. The Committee will review collected information and information presented by the student. The committee will engage in a determination on an individualized, case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the nature, duration and severity of the risk and the likelihood, imminence and nature of the future harmful conduct, either to the student or to others in the university community. The Committee will render a decision and present that decision to the student in writing. Should the decision be to place the student on a Leave of Absence, appropriate conditions for return will be contained within the written notification. A student who is seeking to return to school after being placed on an Involuntary Leave of Absence must submit a written plan that identifies how the student will resume their status at the University. The plan must respond to the situation that gave rise to the need for the student’s involuntary Leave of Absence. The University may require that the student submit medical or psychological records indicating that the student has adequately addressed the condition that gave rise to the Involuntary Leave of Absence and/or indicates suggested conditions for re-enrollment such as regular counseling sessions or limited course load. The Involuntary Leave of Absence Committee will review the student’s plan to determine on an individualized, case-by-case basis whether or not the student’s request to re-enroll at that time shall be granted or denied by taking into consideration all of the relevant factors and information presented. The decision of the Committee is final.
Interim Measures
The University reserves the right to place a student on an immediate interim leave of absence that will remain in effect until a final decision is made pursuant to the procedure, unless, before a final decision is made, the University determines that the reasons for imposing the interim leave of absence no longer exist.