Standards and Procedures for Involuntary Withdrawal From the University for Reason of Mental Illness

I. Violation of University Rules Concurrent With Mental Illness

A. When a student engages in behavior that would normally be channeled through the KSU judicial or academic dishonesty processes, that student will be subject to those processes.

B. Persons carrying out the disciplinary function who observe that a student’s conduct may be a result of a mental disorder will consult with staff at University Counseling Services (UCS) and may refer that student to UCS for further assistance.

II. Evaluation for Mental Illness

At any point, a University faculty or staff member who deems that because of a possible mental disorder a student is unable to function successfully in the academic environment, the faculty or staff member may consult with UCS to determine possible steps for helping the student seek assistance or may make direct referral of the student to UCS for consultation and possible assessment.

If a student is likely to cause harm to self, to others, or to property, the Campus Police should be immediately contacted and apprized of the danger. In cases when danger is imminent, the student’s refusal to undergo evaluation may result in the Police following necessary legal procedures of bringing the student to the local Community Mental Health Services for assessment concerning involuntary hospitalization to assess the risk for the student and provide a safe environment. In other situations, the student may be referred to UCS for a mental health evaluation. Depending on the circumstances, initial contact with the Office of the Dean of Student Life for consultation may also be helpful. In such cases, student cooperation in connecting with UCS of the Emergency Room at the Hospital for a crisis evaluation would be encouraged.

III. Voluntary Withdrawal From the University

In such cases, when it is determined that, because of behavior concurrent with a mental disorder, life and/or property threatening potential cannot be managed through treatment by appropriate University or community resources, the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement or designee, will be notified. The Vice-President or designee will counsel with the student and/or his/her parent(s), guardian(s), or spouse to effect a voluntary withdrawal of the student and will facilitate referral to appropriate treatment and counseling resources.

IV. Involuntary Withdrawal From the University

A student who does not withdraw under conditions described in Section III, will be referred for evaluation to a mutually agreed upon off-campus licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. The cost of the evaluation will be borne by the University.

A. The results of this evaluation will be sent to the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement or designee.

B. Upon receipt of the evaluation, if the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement for designee concludes that the student should be withdrawn, will advise the student in writing to meet with the Vice-President or designee, preferably accompanied by a family member, friend, counselor and/or attorney, to review all of the evaluation information before a final decision is made. The request to meet with the Vice-President or designee will be made at least two class days prior to the date of the meeting.

1. The student and/or, with the permission of the student, the person who will accompany the student will be given a copy of the evaluation documents at least two class days prior to the meeting with the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement or designee.

2. The meeting will not be adversarial in nature.

3. At the meeting, the student and/or the person accompanying the student will be given the opportunity to comment on the evaluation information and offer documentary data relevant to the reliability of the conclusions of the professional conducting the evaluation; the actual or potential behavior of the student cited in support of involuntary withdrawal; and whether or not the conclusions warrant involuntary withdrawal.

C. A decision to withdraw a student involuntarily must be supported by clear and convincing evidence that the student is suffering from a mental disorder as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, as determined by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or other physician, and that, as a result of such condition, the student is likely to engage in behavior which may cause substantial harm to the student, others, or property.

D. As soon as practicable after an evaluation by the professional and the meeting with the student (if any), the Vice-President or designee will advise the student of the final decision in writing. If the Vice-President or designee decides to withdraw the student involuntarily, the written decision will state the reasons for the withdrawal.

E. In the case of voluntary or involuntary withdrawal because of behavior concurrent with a mental disorder, steps will be taken to minimize potential financial and academic loss through such means as prorated refund of housing and academic fees.

F. A decision by the Vice-President to withdraw a student involuntarily is final within the University.

G. A student who is withdrawn involuntarily for reasons of behavior concurrent with a mental illness will be readmitted only upon approval of the Vice-President for Institutional Advancement or designee, who will request an evaluation by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist showing that the reasons for the withdrawal no longer exist. The Vice-President or designee will notify the Dean of the College in which the student is to re-enroll of a decision to readmit.