| Approved by: | The President | |
| History: | Issued -- September 9, 1996 | |
| Revised -- July 24, 2009 | ||
| Last Reviewed -- | ||
| Related Policies: | Code of Student Conduct | |
| Additional References: | ||
| Responsible Official: | Associate Vice President and Dean of Students tel. (202)319-5619 | |
I. Policy Statement
The Catholic University of America endeavors to provide a safe and orderly environment, insofar as possible, in which all qualified students, with or without disabilities, are able to participate in the University's programs and activities and to pursue their academic, physical, moral and social development.
The Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee ("vice-president") reserves the right to take immediate, necessary and appropriate action to protect the health, safety, and well-being of an individual and/or the University community. A student who does not conduct himself or herself in a manner compatible with a safe and orderly environment is subject to discipline through the student conduct system. In an unusual case where a student engages in one or more behaviors such as those listed below or exhibits a pattern of such behaviors, the University reserves the right, consistent with applicable law, to require an involuntary withdrawal. These behaviors include:
- Student engages in, or threatens to engage in, behavior which poses a danger of causing physical harm to self or others;
- Student demonstrates an inability to satisfy personal needs, including nourishment, shelter, personal safety and well-being, etc. such that there is a reasonable possibility that serious physical harm or death might occur within a short period of time; and/or
- Student exhibits behavior(s) that substantially impede(s) the lawful and/or daily, normal activities of others and/or would interfere with the educational process and the orderly operations of the University. Behaviors include those that are disruptive to the surrounding community and community members and/or significantly impact the University's human resources in continued management of these incidents.
Prior to invoking an involuntary withdrawal, a student may be given the option to take a voluntary withdrawal. Involuntary withdrawals may be subject to approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee.
Reinstatement following involuntary withdrawal normally requires a certification from the student's treatment provider which satisfies the University that the student's behavior is compatible with the academic and technical standards of the University.
II. Definitions
A. Academic standards are determined by the University, the specific school in which the student is enrolled and the professor of the particular course in which the student is registered.
B. Technical standards for community living require that students comply with the Code of Student Conduct and that students take care of themselves so as to not endanger the physical or mental well-being of themselves or others.
C. Involuntary means without the student's consent.
D. Withdrawal means separation from the University.