Section 1720-05-01-.11 - INVOLUNTARY MEDICAL WITHDRAWAL OR SUSPENSION(1) When a student is unable to effectively pursue his/her academic work, or when his/her behavior is disruptive to the normal educational processes of the University, or constitutes a threat to members of the University community, due to, among other things, alcohol use, drug use, or a physical or mental incapacitating condition, he/she may be withdrawn or temporarily suspended from the University as hereinafter provided.(2) Withdrawal. A student may be withdrawn from the University only after an evaluation of his/her mental and physical condition by a panel of at least three (3) persons appointed by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The student shall be notified of the reasons for the evaluation and given an opportunity to present evidence to the committee. The committee's findings and recommendations shall be forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who will notify the student in writing of his/her decision.(3) Temporary Suspension. Whenever a student, because of his/her mental or physical condition constitutes a danger to persons or property, or when his/her behavior is disruptive to the normal educational processes of the University, he/she may be suspended from the University, for a reasonable period of time, by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. If the University does not withdraw the student in accordance with procedures outlined above, he/she may return to the University at the end of the suspension period.(4) Grades. When a student is withdrawn or temporarily suspended from the University, he/she may be assigned a grade of "W' or "I," whichever is deemed appropriate by the faculty member involved.(5) Readmission. (a) A student who is involuntarily withdrawn under this rule may not be readmitted to the University before the start of the next semester or without the approval of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The student shall also meet all of the admission requirements of the University and of the school or college in which he/she wishes to be readmitted.(b) A student shall submit a written request for permission to reapply to the University with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs by October 1 for Spring enrollment, by February 1 for Summer enrollment, and by May 1 for Fall enrollment. The student's written request shall include an explanation of why the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs should allow the student to reapply and an explanation of the student's plan to transition successfully back into the academic community.(c) The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs may require the student to provide the panel of individuals who recommended that the student be involuntarily withdrawn with proof that the condition that caused the withdrawal is no longer present or that the condition is under control through treatment such that the student does not present a direct threat to the health or safety of him/herself or others and will not disrupt the normal educational processes of the University. Proof may consist of a current medical or mental health evaluation, demonstration of ongoing medical or mental health treatment, and a plan for treatment upon readmission. The panel may request any other information or documentation that it deems necessary. In exceptional circumstances, the panel may request a second, independent opinion of a qualified medical or mental health professional paid for by the University. In cases where the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs has imposed other conditions for readmission, it is the responsibility of the student to provide documentation of compliance with those conditions.(d) The panel's recommendation concerning reenrollment or readmission shall be provided to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, who will notify the student in writing of his/her decision. The decision of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is final and may not be appealed.Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1720-05-01-.11
Original rule filed April 17, 2012; effective September 28, 2012.Authority: T.C.A. § 49-9-209(e) and Public Acts of Tennessee, 1839-1840, Chapter 98, Section 5, and Public Acts of Tennessee, 1807, Chapter 64.