Management of Behavioral Disturbances
Policy
Given the educational philosophy and residentiality of Berea
College, the College will act in the best interest of the community as well as
the individual. Similar action
may also become necessary when there is repeated documentation of behavior
which indicates that a student is unable to be responsible for his/her
behavior, to the extent that the behavior significantly interferes with the
ability of other students to pursue an orderly course of living and study. Should it be determined that the welfare of
the student and community is being compromised by this behavior, the Office of
the Vice President for Student Life will exercise its authority to protect the
educational processes and purpose of the institution by taking one or more of
the following steps:
1. Notify parents or other responsible
person(s).
2. Notify police.
3. Request professional health and/or
psychological evaluation.
4. Require that the student be placed
in protective custody of police, parents, or hospital.
5. Establish a Behavioral Contract that
outlines specific strategies and interventions that the student will engage in
to prevent future disturbances to the campus community.
6. Require that the student be
withdrawn.
Implementation
Determination will be based upon verification of a physical
act, verbal statement and/or a demonstrated lack of the individual’s ability to
be responsible for his/her behavior. A
designee of the Vice President for Student Life will make every reasonable
attempt to meet with the student to inform the student that an involuntary
withdrawal is being considered by an administrative panel; what the withdrawal
would require and the reasons for the withdrawal being considered. The designee
will explain the next steps in the process and provide the student with a copy
of this involuntary withdrawal policy. The Designee will also review all other
available options for the student to pursue, including a voluntary withdrawal,
part-time student status, Leave of Absence, etc.
The student will be informed in advance of the time and
location of the Administrative Panel meeting and be provided the opportunity to
submit relevant information, behavioral contracts and present relevant
witnesses from the College community. The Administrative Panel will consist of
Designee of the Vice President for Student Life, Director of Counseling
Services, and the Director of Academic Services.
A student may appeal
the Administrative panel’s determination to the Vice President for Student
Life. A student has two business days to request this appeal in writing. The
Vice President for Student Life shall review all available information (i.e.,
all information considered by the Administrative Panel and any additional
information subsequently made available by the student) and may seek additional
information from the student. The decision from the Vice President for Student
Life will be communicated in writing. The decision from the Vice President for
Student Life is final.
Student Seeking to Return from an Involuntary Withdrawal
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The Administrative Hearing Panel will convene to review the
student’s request for readmission.
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The Administrative Hearing Panel may or may not meet with
the student.
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The Administrative Hearing Panel will notify the TRAAC
(Transfer and Readmit Admission and Advising Committee) team in writing of
their recommendation in a timely manner.