Section IX. Interim Suspension (Temporary)

A student may be temporarily suspended by the vice chancellor of student affairs, or designee pending action of the charge if his or her continued presence on campus would constitute a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of himself or herself, or members of the university community, university property, or the orderly functioning of the university.

Before an interim suspension may be imposed, the dean of students or designee shall make an initial evaluation of the reliability of the information received, make such further investigation as circumstances permit, and consult immediately with the vice chancellor of student affairs or designee. There must be more cause than fear and apprehension of possible disturbance, and in making judgments whether an individual constitutes a threat, the determination shall be either by admission or based on a reasonable prediction of danger. If the vice chancellor of student affairs or designee, concludes that the alleged conduct warrants interim suspension, he or she shall notify the dean of students or designee and the student of his or her intention to temporarily suspend the student. The student will be provided an opportunity for a preliminary hearing before imposing the interim suspension, if possible.

Under circumstances which render the preliminary hearing impossible or unreasonably difficult, interim suspension may be invoked. The preliminary hearing must be provided as soon as those circumstances change or disappear. Once a student has been notified of his or her pending temporary suspension, a preliminary hearing will be conducted by the vice chancellor of student affairs or designee. This hearing must be held within forty-eight (48) hours of the notification. The preliminary hearing can be held sooner with mutual consent of all parties.

The decision of the vice chancellor of student affairs or designee may be rendered orally but shall be confirmed in writing as soon as possible. The dean of students shall be notified of the decision.

Following interim suspension, a full judicial hearing before the appropriate committee with all appropriate procedures and rights shall be provided as expeditiously as possible, normally within five (5) class days. Only in extremely rare circumstances will notice of the hearing be later than ten (10) class days of the original action, except with the mutual consent of all parties.

On a finding by the vice chancellor of student affairs or designee that the continued presence of the student on campus constitutes a threat to the physical safety and well-being of the student or any member of the university community, or risk of destruction of property, or disruption of classroom or other campus activity, the status of the student shall be altered until a final determination has been made, during which time the student shall forfeit all or partial university rights and privileges, based on severity of threat.

Handbook